Singapore Elections updates: Ballot boxes sealed after polls closed, PM Wong's PAP expected to dominate

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Singapore Elections updates: Ballot boxes sealed after polls closed, PM Wong's PAP expected to dominate

Singapore Elections updates: Ballot boxes sealed after polls closed, PM Wong's PAP expected to dominate

FP News Desk • May 3, 2025, 17:48:57 IST

Singapore elections updates: The voting in Singapore’s election is now closed. This election is a significant moment for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he faces his first big challenge from a more active opposition. This is happening during a time when the economy, which relies heavily on trade, is facing some uncertainties

Singapore Elections updates: Ballot boxes sealed after polls closed, PM Wong's PAP expected to dominate

A voter casts her ballot in the general election at a polling station in Singapore on May 3, 2025. Polling stations opened on May 3 across Singapore as voters began casting their ballots in an election seen as the first real test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his long-ruling People's Action Party. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP)

The voting in Singapore's election is now closed. This election is a significant moment for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he faces his first big challenge from a more active opposition. This is happening during a time when the economy, which relies heavily on trade, is facing some uncertainties.

Singapore elections LIVE: Polling closed

Singapore elections LIVE: Polls are taking during a time when the economy, which relies heavily on trade, is facing some uncertainties.

May 3, 2025, 17:44:07 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Polling closed

Polls closed Saturday in an election where Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first major test against a rejuvenated opposition in uncertain economic times for the trade-centred nation.

Wong’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) is expected to easily retain a clear majority in parliament but its dominance is increasingly being challenged by a more vocal electorate.

The last time we received an update from authorities, about 82 per cent of eligible voters had cast their votes. In Singapore, voting is mandatory and high turnout is usual.

This blog is closed now. You can follow the Firstpost website for all the latest updates.

May 3, 2025, 17:13:47 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: When will results be out?

Based on past elections, we can expect the final results to become clear either late tonight or in the very early hours of tomorrow morning. The precise time will depend on how close the vote counts are in each electorate. If many races are very tight, it will take longer to determine the winners.

May 3, 2025, 16:33:49 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: One hour left to cast votes

There’s only an hour remaining for people to vote.

Previously, the Elections Department had advised Singaporeans to vote at their own pace, and to try to avoid a surge of voters right before the polls closed.

May 3, 2025, 15:43:31 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: President Tharman casts his vote

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived at Nanyang Girls’ High School around 5.30pm to vote. He was joined by his wife, Ms Jane Ittogi.

May 3, 2025, 15:00:55 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: 82% voter turnout by 5pm, says ELD

By 5pm, about 82 per cent of eligible voters in Singapore had cast their votes, according to the Elections Department (ELD).

A total of 2,164,593 people voted out of the 2,627,026 eligible voters in contested areas.

May 3, 2025, 14:09:08 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: What happens when Polling Day is the same day as your wedding?

Aneetha Dhillon, 27, and her husband had to adjust their wedding plans slightly to fulfil their civic duty — by voting at different constituencies on their wedding day.

Aneetha, who voted in Jurong Central SMC, said the wedding had been planned for nearly a year. When asked how she felt after learning Polling Day would fall on May 3, she said:
“Honestly, it was quite shocking, because we had planned this wedding for almost a year. But we managed everything well, even with the small hiccups. So, yes, it still went smoothly.”

She showed up at her polling station in a “Kate Middleton-inspired” wedding gown that weighed around 12kg.
“I think it’s 12kg, yes, and I have to work here,” she laughed.

Her husband cast his vote separately in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

May 3, 2025, 13:43:47 (IST)

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Singapore elections 2025: voting underway in test of ruling PAP's monopoly

Singaporeans voted on Saturday in an election expected to extend the People’s Action Party’s long rule, as the country faces economic uncertainty from a global trade war.

The vote is seen as a test of support for the new Prime Minister and a measure of how popular the PAP remains. While the party has ruled since before independence in 1965, many are watching to see if the opposition can build on the small but historic gains it made in the last election.

May 3, 2025, 13:14:34 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Overseas Singaporeans vote in Dubai, London, and US

The first Singaporeans to vote in the 2025 General Election were those living overseas, starting with voters in Dubai, followed by London.

Singaporeans in the United States were next, voting at three stations in Washington, New York, and San Francisco.

Overseas polling began at 8 am local time on May 2 at each mission.

By law, overseas polls must close by 8 pm Singapore time on Polling Day, so voting in some countries had to start a day earlier than in Singapore.

The other five overseas polling stations, in Beijing, Canberra, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo, will open at 8am local time on May 3.

Out of 2,758,846 registered voters, 18,389 Singaporeans have signed up to vote from overseas. About 8,630 of them will vote in person, while the rest will vote by post.

May 3, 2025, 12:49:55 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: PM Wong faces first electoral test

The election is an important test for new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as the long-ruling People’s Action Party aims to keep its hold on power and gain wider public support.

He assumed office in May 2024 following Lee Hsien Loong’s resignation.

The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), in power since the nation’s independence in 1965, is widely expected to retain its dominance. However, the focus is on the margin of victory, which is seen as a barometer of public sentiment and the strength of the government’s mandate moving forward.

May 3, 2025, 12:09:03 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: All eyes on margin, not the winner

In Singapore’s 2025 general election, the main focus is not on whether the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) will win, its victory is widely assumed, but on the margin of that victory.

This margin is viewed as a key indicator of public sentiment and a measure of the government’s mandate going forward.

Under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership, the PAP is seeking a strong mandate to tackle major issues such as economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living, and housing shortages. A notable drop in the PAP’s vote share could reflect a growing appetite for political diversity and potentially shape future policy decisions.

The Workers’ Party (WP) is watching the results closely, as any increase in its parliamentary presence could strengthen its role in holding the government to account. The PAP is contesting all 92 seats, while its main challenger, the WP, is fielding candidates in 26 constituencies.

May 3, 2025, 10:57:03 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: 48% Singaporeans casts ballots by 12 pm, Says ELD

By noon (local time), 1,261,449 Singaporeans had voted, the Elections Department (ELD) said today. This makes up about 48% of the 2,627,026 eligible voters in all contested areas.

May 3, 2025, 10:15:36 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Who is Pritam Singh, key opposition voice?

Pritam Singh has been the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP) since 2018 and serves as the key Leader of the Opposition in Singapore’s Parliament, which has been dominated by the PAP since the island nation’s independence. Singh has represented the Eunos division of Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) since 2011.

Singh is of Punjabi descent and a practicing Sikh. He is married to Loveleen Kaur Walia, a Singaporean theatre practitioner, and they have two daughters.

Singh has been found guilty of two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee, a verdict that may affect his political future ahead.

The 48-year-old politician was convicted by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan, who ruled that Singh gave false evidence to the Committee of Privileges (COP) in 2021. The case was linked to a false statement made in Parliament by former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan.

He became Singapore’s first official Leader of the Opposition in 2020 after the Workers’ Party won 10 seats in Parliament, the most ever for an opposition party.

Singh studied history at the National University of Singapore, graduating in 2000. He later earned a master’s degree in war studies from King’s College London on a Chevening Scholarship.

May 3, 2025, 09:49:34 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Dos and don’ts on Polling Day

You must vote in person and only at the polling station listed on your poll card or ePoll card.

If your constituency is being contested, you should have received your poll card by post within two to three working days after Nomination Day on April 23. The card would have been sent to your latest address registered with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Voters can use the Singpass mobile app to access their ePoll card, which works the same as the physical poll card.

If eligible voters do not vote, their names will be removed from the Registers of Electors, but they can apply to be added back after the election.

Remember to bring your poll card (or ePoll card on Singpass) and original ID, like your NRIC or passport, to the polling station. Photocopies are not allowed.

May 3, 2025, 09:39:58 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: PM Wong casts his vote

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong cast his vote around noon today at the MOE (Evans Road) polling station, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Wong.

May 3, 2025, 09:33:37 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: The opposition landscape

The main opposition party is the Workers’ Party (WP), led by Pritam Singh, who became Singapore’s first official Leader of the Opposition after the 2020 election.

The WP has made steady progress over the years but is contesting only 26 seats this time, less than a third of the total, due to limited resources and a divided opposition.

Nine smaller parties and two independent candidates are also in the race, all aiming to reduce the PAP’s long-held dominance. Singh has said that even if the WP wins all 26 seats, it wouldn’t threaten the government but would help strengthen democratic checks and balances.

May 3, 2025, 09:10:06 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Cost of living is a key issue

With the risk of US tariffs and a weakening global economy, Singapore faces a growing chance of falling into recession.

In 2024, international bank Julius Baer named Singapore the world’s most expensive city to live in for the second year in a row.

May 3, 2025, 08:44:48 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Opposition targets cost of living as Wong defends economic policies

The opposition has focused its campaign on economic inequality, housing shortages, and the rising cost of living, key issues in one of the world’s most expensive cities. In response, Wong’s government has offered budget support like grocery vouchers, tax rebates, and cash payouts to help people cope with inflation and global economic uncertainty.

The opposition also wants stricter rules on hiring foreign workers in high-paying jobs and more healthcare support for the elderly.

Wong has rejected these proposals, saying they could hurt the country’s finances and scare off investors.

May 3, 2025, 08:17:40 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: PAP minister Lee Hsien Loong observes voting process

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his PAP team from Ang Mo Kio GRC were seen watching the voting process at Teck Ghee Primary School at 9.25 am today(local time).

May 3, 2025, 08:11:48 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Factors placing the PAP in an advantageous position

The PAP has an advantage due to its structure and strategy. Wong called the election at short notice, giving the opposition little time to prepare.

The Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which requires teams and ethnic diversity, makes it harder for opposition parties with fewer resources to compete.

Additionally, the high candidate deposit of S$13,500 (US$10,280) and frequent redrawing of electoral boundaries, which the PAP says reflect demographic changes, have been criticised for giving the ruling party an edge.

With five seats already won uncontested, and the rest contested under a system that favours incumbents, the opposition faces a tough challenge.

However, with economic concerns and rising political awareness, especially among younger voters, the PAP’s control may be tested more than before.

May 3, 2025, 07:44:06 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Trump spared Singapore in tariff blitz but his impact could still influence election outcome

Singapore votes in a general election on Saturday amid economic unease, exacerbated by Trump pressing the reset button on global trading systems after he assumed charge of the White House.

While Singapore escaped the direct impact of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, it reels under the tariff-fueled economic uncertainty that looms over it.

As a nation that relies heavily on international trade, global supply chain disruptions severely affect Singapore’s manufacturing sector. ING analysts have already downgraded the country’s annual GDP growth projection for 2025 to just 1.6 per cent, reflecting the economic strain

In addition to these challenges, Singapore is grappling with a cost of living crisis, which has emerged as a key issue in the upcoming election. Trump’s tariff-propelled global trade uncertainties are likely to magnify the economic challenges the city-state faces, making the outcome of this election crucial in shaping Singapore’s future.

May 3, 2025, 07:15:16 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Will Singapore elect the party that has been ruling it since 1965?

PM Wong’s long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has remained in power since the nation’s independence in 1965.

The PAP is contesting all 97 seats, while the main opposition, the Workers’ Party (WP), is contesting 26 seats. In the 2020 election, the PAP secured 83 seats with 61.23 per cent of the popular vote.

It was the lowest share since independence, which signalled a growth in the opposition’s strength. Analysts suggest that a modest swing in votes against the PAP could lead to a much weaker government, potentially affecting its ability to address pressing issues like economic challenges and housing affordability.

While the PAP is expected to retain power, the results will signal the start of a stable democracy with other alternatives available.

Meanwhile, the party remains highly popular among Singaporeans. The PAP has presided over Singapore’s remarkable economic transformation from a developing country to a global financial hub.

May 3, 2025, 06:32:52 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: Heavy rain, flash flood alerts mark a wet start to polling day

Heavy rain on the morning of 3 May brought flash flood warnings as Singaporeans headed out to vote.

As voting started at 8 am, national water agency PUB issued alerts for three areas at risk of flooding and advised the public to avoid them for at least an hour.

[Risk of Flash Floods]

Due to heavy rain, please avoid this location for the next 1 hour: Upp Paya Lebar Service Rd (Lim Teck Boo Rd to Rochdale Rd);
Jln Lokam (near Upp Paya Lebar Rd);
Thrift Dr (near Jln Usaha); [08:12 hours]
— PUB (@PUBsingapore) May 3, 2025

The warnings signalled a disruptive start to polling day, especially for early voters.

May 3, 2025, 05:59:49 (IST)

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Singapore elections LIVE: As voting begins, a look at what’s at stake?

Singaporeans will vote on Saturday in what’s seen as the first major test for new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. His People’s Action Party (PAP) seeks to extend its long rule and secure a fresh mandate.

The PAP has won every election since Singapore became independent in 1965.

Wong, who took office last year, hopes to regain support after the PAP faced declining approval in the 2020 elections due to voter dissatisfaction with the government.

The voting in Singapore’s election has now finished. This election is a significant moment for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he faces his first big challenge from a more active opposition.

According to predictions, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s People’s Action Party (PAP) is expected to dominate the contest, despite gains made by the opposition over the past decade. The rising cost of living in the island nation has emerged as the key issue in this election.

Voting is compulsory for Singapore’s 2.76 million registered voters, who will cast their ballots between 8 am and 8 pm.

The PAP, which has been in power since Singapore gained self-rule from Britain in 1959, is expected to secure a majority of seats in Parliament once again.

However, this election is seen as the first major test for PM Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in December after two decades at the helm.

There are 97 seats in Parliament, but five have already been won uncontested by the PAP after no opposition candidates were fielded. The PAP is contesting all 92 seats, while its main rival, the Workers’ Party (WP), is running in 26 seats.

End of Liveblog