Singaporeans returned to the ballot box on 3 May in a closely watched general election that marked a pivotal moment in the country’s political journey.

With a new generation of leadership at the helm as well as increasingly unpredictable global issues and politics, the election was not just a matter of party loyalties or policy promises. As voters cast their ballots, the results reveal both continuity as well as some subtle shifts in the political landscape.

It was the first general election under a new prime minister, Lawrence Wong, who officially succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024. Lee, 72, had been in power for 20 years, and is the son of Lee Yuan Kew, the founder of modern Singapore. Previously the deputy prime minister, Wong, 52, was handpicked to take over the top job.

More than 2.4 million votes were cast in the election – a turnout of 92.5% – with 97 seats contested. Many commentators had predicted a modest dip in support for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) amid a growing opposition presence.

However, the PAP secured a clear victory, winning 87 seats, an increase from 83 in 2020. It also improved its share of the popular vote to 66%, up from 61% in the previous election.

The Workers’ Party (WP) retained its position as the main opposition, holding its 10 seats from 2020, in the three constituencies of Aljunied, Sengkang and Hougang. The WP improved its vote share in Sengkang (56%) and Hougang (62%). However, it made no new gains beyond its traditional strongholds, despite fielding candidates in several additional constituencies.

Other parties – including the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), Reform Party and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) – continued to gain recognition but failed to win seats. In some constituencies, party members forfeited their election deposits after receiving less than 12.5% of the vote.

The 2025 general election stands as a significant chapter in the country’s political evolution. Under the leadership of the newly appointed prime minister, the PAP not only retained power but did so with an increased mandate.

At the same time, the opposition, the WP, held its ground, maintaining its key constituencies and continuing to provide a credible alternative voice in parliament. While no breakthroughs occurred, the closely fought contests underscored Singapore’s politically engaged and diverse electorate – one that values stability at home amid an increasingly unstable world.