GE2025: A New Era in Politics Under Lawrence Wong's Leadership

Singapore General Election 2025: What You Need to Know

Singapore is heading to the polls on May 3, 2025, in a pivotal general election that marks a new chapter in its political history. This will be the first election since Lawrence Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister in 2024, making it a litmus test for both leadership renewal and national sentiment.

Key voter issues include the rising cost of living, job stability, healthcare access, and housing affordability.

Key Facts and Figures

Voters will elect 97 Members of Parliament across 33 constituencies, comprising 18 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and 15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs). About 2.76 million citizens are eligible to vote, with campaigning officially underway after Parliament was dissolved on April 15 and Nomination Day held on April 23.

Major Parties and Their Platforms

The ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore since independence, is contesting all constituencies. It faces strong opposition from the Workers’ Party (WP), the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).

• PAP is running on a platform of continuity and stability, promising expanded healthcare, 50,000 new public housing units, and support for the unemployed.

• WP calls for a more balanced political system, including redundancy insurance, tax exemptions for basic goods, and affordable 70-year leases.

• PSP advocates a lower goods and services tax (GST), a minimum living wage, and healthcare cost reforms.

• SDP is focused on social equity, calling for government-managed healthcare and lower taxes on essentials.

Redistricting and Electoral Changes

A key feature of GE2025 is the redrawing of electoral boundaries. Six new SMCs have been introduced, and several large GRCs have been split or reorganized. Jurong GRC has been divided, while Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC was restructured into Pasir Ris–Changi GRC and Punggol GRC. These changes are expected to influence competitiveness and party strategies.

Leadership Transition and New Faces

With Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the helm, PAP has introduced 32 new candidates—the most significant renewal since independence. Prominent retirees include long-time ministers Teo Chee Hean and Heng Swee Keat, reflecting a generational shift in leadership.

Voter Concerns and Election Themes

Key voter issues include the rising cost of living, job stability, healthcare access, and housing affordability. There is also a growing appetite among younger voters for political diversity and more robust parliamentary debate.

This election also sees parties leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to engage younger demographics, although some efforts have sparked debates on authenticity and effectiveness.

Foreign Influence and Regulatory Measures

The government has invoked new laws to combat potential foreign interference in the election, including directives to Meta to remove certain overseas content deemed to be influencing domestic political discourse.

Outlook

While PAP is widely expected to retain its governing majority, analysts suggest that further erosion of its vote share could signal a shift in public expectations toward a more pluralistic political landscape. The Workers' Party, in particular, is aiming to expand its parliamentary presence.

As Singapore navigates global economic headwinds and domestic concerns, GE2025 will be watched closely both locally and internationally for signals of political evolution under a new generation of leadership.