On Saturday, Singaporeans cast their votes in the general election to decide the composition of the 97-seat Parliament.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) aims to secure its 14th consecutive victory and continue its long-standing dominance since Singapore’s independence in 1965.
Approximately 2.76 million out of Singapore’s 6 million residents are eligible to vote in this five-year election cycle.
Voting is compulsory in Singapore, where the average voter turnout since 2001 has reached 94.2%, according to official statistics.
A total of 211 candidates from 11 political parties are contesting the election. However, only the PAP, which has won every general election since 1965, stands candidates in all constituencies. The main opposition, the Workers’ Party, contests 26 seats.
Six political parties are running for more than 10 seats each.
Key election constituencies and campaign dynamics
The election will fill 33 constituencies, comprising 17 multi-member group representation constituencies (GRCs) and 15 single-member constituencies (SMCs). The PAP already secured five seats through a walkover in one GRC, marking the first uncontested constituency since 2011.
Most races are straightforward contests, with only five constituencies seeing more than two parties compete.
The campaign lasted nine days and followed the official election announcement on April 15. While many expect the PAP to maintain its majority, opposition parties hope to make some gains, particularly in urban areas where rising concerns about the cost of living have emerged.
Singapore’s electoral system shapes itself around strict campaigning regulations and a centralised political structure. The PAP focuses its messaging on stability, economic growth, and social order.
The final results should appear late on Saturday, though official declarations might take longer as authorities count and verify all votes, including those cast by overseas voters and postal ballots.
