Prime Minister Lawrence Wong justifies a decision on the impact of tariffs on the economy, which depends on international trade; in total, 97 parliamentary seats will be in dispute
Last Tuesday (15), the city-state of He announced the dissolution of his parliament, marking the beginning of a new political cycle with the calling of national elections for May 3. This decision represents a crucial moment for the current Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, who took office last year. Elections are seen as a significant test for the popular action party, which has ruled the country uninterrupted since 1959.
Lawrence Wong, 52, took the lead after succeeding the son of Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew, signaling the beginning of a new political age in the country. This announcement occurs at a delicate time, shortly after the government revised down the forecast of Singapore’s economic growth to 2025. Such a review may have a direct impact on the electorate’s mood, which will be aware of candidates’ promises and plans to face economic challenges. In total, 97 parliamentary seats will be in dispute, four more than in the previous legislature, increasing the competitiveness of the election.
Singapore’s electoral system, which defines most chairs through a group voting system, has been the target of criticism from the opposition. They argue that this system favors the popular action party, making it difficult to rise other political forces. In the last election, held in 2020, the Workers Party, the main opposition force, managed to win 10 of the 93 chairs available, marking one of the best opposition performances in decades. This result feeds the expectation that Singapore’s political scenario can undergo significant changes after the next election.
*With information from Grieco Holts
*Report produced with the aid of AI
