Singapore's ruling party wins another landslide in general elections extending its 66-year rule
Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party extended its 66-year unbroken rule with yet another landslide victory in Saturday's general elections after the Election Department declared it the winner of the key polls.
After the completion of vote counting, the Election Department announced that the PAP had won 82 parliamentary seats. The party had earlier secured five seats without opposition, bringing its total number of MPs to 87.
The count also showed the opposition Workers Party maintained its 10 seats.
Before the announcement, supporters of the PAP, which had ruled Singapore since 1959, gathered at a stadium waving flags and cheering in an early celebration.
The result is expected to bolster the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took office a year ago.
'The results will put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world,' Wong said.
Wong added that he was humbled and grateful for the solid mandate for the PAP. He, however, acknowledged voters' desire to have more alternative voices in government but said a strong PAP team was needed to tackle challenges ahead.
The 52-year-old prime minister succeeded Lee Hsien Loong to become the city-state's fourth leader. Lee stepped down in May 2024 after two decades as prime minister but remained in the cabinet as senior minister.
Lee's retirement ends a family dynasty that was started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, who was Singapore's first leader and built the former colonial backwater into one of the world's richest countries.
As the country's Prime Minister and Finance Minister, with a US training, Wong, an economist, has a strong mandate to steer trade-dependent Singapore through the uncertainty caused by rising tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
The US administration's announcement on tariffs has led the Singaporean government to lower its trade forecast and warn of a possible recession.
The PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity, but tight government control and the rising cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities have also led to growing unhappiness, especially among younger voters.
Widening income disparity, increasingly unaffordable housing, overcrowding, and restrictions on free speech have relatively weakened its previously ironclad support.
Its share of the popular vote slipped to a near-record low of 61% in the 2020 elections, down from nearly 70% in 2015.
Related
Singapore dissolves parliament, paving the way for 3 May election
The opposition says that a greater presence in parliament would allow for a more balanced political system and greater accountability but has often been hamstrung by a lack of resources and fragmented support.
Wong has sought to revive support for the PAP by bringing in 32 new faces as several veterans of the party withdrew. He has attempted to engage younger voters through social media and promised to strive for a more balanced and inclusive Singapore.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Thailand's B. Grimm Power and Singapore's Digital Edge to invest $1 billion in Thai data centre
BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thai B. Grimm Power Pcl and Singaporean digital infrastructure firm Digital Edge will invest $1 billion in a 100-megawatt data centre in Thailand, the companies said in a statement on Monday. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


San Francisco Chronicle
17 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee promises ‘relentless effort' at community inauguration
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee promised during a community inauguration Sunday to lead with 'openness, honesty and relentless effort' and invited the community to join her to make the city better. 'If we match hope with hard work, there's nothing that this city can't do, so let's do it,' Lee said on a stage at Jack London Square. 'Let's grab whatever you can grab — a paintbrush, a policy idea, a neighbor's hand, because the next chapter of Oakland starts now.' She added: 'All of you are co-authors of this next chapter.' Lee was elected in April and sworn in last month. The former congresswoman replaced former Mayor Sheng Thao, whom voters ousted in November in a recall fueled by a federal investigation that resulted in bribery charges against her. Thao pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lee takes over as the city confronts a historic budget deficit, public safety concerns, homelessness and illegal dumping, among other issues. By the end of this month, the city must balance its budget, which includes an annual deficit of about $140 million. Lee previously said the city will address the deficit through both short- and long-term solutions, though she did not provide specifics. During her remarks Sunday, after she again took the oath of office, Lee spoke of her work in the first few weeks of her administration. The goal from the start was to 'turn hope into action,' the Democrat told the crowd, which included faith leaders, business owners and other dignitaries, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Already she's met with faith and business leaders to discuss public safety strategies. She acknowledged that despite violence prevention efforts and a decrease in homicides last year, some residents still don't feel safe. 'We've got to work to change this narrative in Oakland,' she said. Lee also said she traveled to the state Capitol to advocate for the city, 'because Oakland deserves its fair share of state resources,' she said. 'I made it clear: Investing in Oakland lifts the entire Bay Area.' State Sen. Jesse Arreguín, a Democrat whose district includes Oakland, said the city needs a 'proven leader with integrity and experience' to unite the city and region. 'That leader is Mayor Barbara Lee,' he said. Arreguín, who serves as chair of the public safety standing committee, said he's committed to working with Lee to curb crime in Oakland and make the city safer. He pledged to support the city's Ceasefire strategy and other violence-prevention programs. Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins called Sunday 'a beautiful day in Oakland.' He noted that Lee is the city's fourth mayor in two years. 'But I think we got it right this time,' he quipped. Jenkins described Lee as a mayor for all, especially Oakland residents 'who don't know where City Hall is.' 'The way she campaigned is the way she's going to govern: with integrity,' he added. Selena Wilson, CEO of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, urged the public to support Lee. 'We must continue to stand with her.' Barbara Leslie, president and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, picked by Lee as a co-chair of her transition team, said she can attest that Lee 'hit the ground running.' 'Frankly, my goal is just to keep up,' Leslie said, joined by members of the Rotary Club of Oakland #3 and Oakland Restaurant Collective. 'We are here to support you, as your success is Oakland's success,' Leslie said.


Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
Global Investors Are Buying Korean Stocks Again – Is It Time for You to Act?
After years of underperformance, South Korea's stock market is back in the spotlight. Global investment firms, such as Aberdeen Investments, Franklin Templeton, and Pictet Wealth Management, are increasing their exposure to Korean stocks as the new government promotes stronger shareholder rights, enhanced corporate governance, and improved capital returns. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter President Lee Jae-myung's administration has made shareholder reform a top priority. Investors are now watching closely to see if these changes can narrow the long-standing 'Korea discount' – the tendency for Korean companies to trade at lower valuations compared to their global peers due to weak minority protections and opaque corporate practices. Foreign Investors Are Coming Back The Composite Stock Price Index, KOSPI in short, entered a bull market on Lee's first day in office. According to Korea Exchange data, dividend payouts from Kospi-listed firms rose 12% in 2024 to 44 trillion won, while share buybacks more than doubled to 18.7 trillion won. Some companies are also revising capital plans. Hanwha Aerospace Co., for example, reduced a planned share sale after investor concerns over dilution. What's Changing? Reform efforts focus on giving shareholders more influence. Proposed legislation would: Expand board duties to prioritize shareholders, strengthen audit committee nominations, and support electronic voting and virtual shareholder meetings. These steps are part of the 'Corporate Value-Up' program, modeled after Japan's governance reforms. Around 160 companies have submitted Value-Up plans, though many remain vague. Global investors hope future versions will be more detailed and enforceable. Global Confidence Rises Aberdeen's Asia ex-Japan fund turned overweight on Korea in May. JPMorgan (JPM) Asset Management and Franklin Templeton have also increased their holdings, citing low valuations and early signs of real change. For retail investors, this could be a signal to take a closer look at key Korean stocks, especially those showing improved governance and stronger capital return policies. Notable Stocks to Watch The Outlook Challenges remain. Inheritance and dividend tax reform is still under debate, and Korea faces trade risks and economic headwinds. However, with strong political backing and rising global interest, investors are watching closely. As most companies (besides Samsung and Hyundai), do not appear on Wall Street. We've created an alternative general chart to showcase the stocks mentioned in the article: