In recent years, Singapore has witnessed a notable rise in political opposition, significantly impacting the political landscape. The Workers' Party achieved a historic milestone in the last election by securing 10 seats, with Pritam Singh being named the leader of the opposition. This shift comes as the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) experienced a decline in its vote share, which dropped to 61.24% in the 2020 elections [392473b7].
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has acknowledged the possibility of an opposition coalition forming, reflecting the changing dynamics of Singapore's political environment. As the country prepares for the next elections, an estimated 177,000 new voters are expected to register by November 2025, many of whom are younger and tend to favor a more pluralistic political landscape [392473b7].
Wong's recent advocacy for increased female representation in politics aligns with these changes, as he emphasizes the importance of diversity in governance. He noted that nearly one-third of the PAP's MPs are women, a significant increase from previous decades. Wong believes that enhancing political representation is vital for addressing the needs of a diverse electorate [874486a3].
However, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has cautioned against the risks of populism and social division that could arise from a more fragmented political scene. He warns that while the rise of opposition parties can invigorate democracy, it also poses challenges that must be managed carefully to maintain social cohesion [392473b7].
As Singapore's GDP surpasses S$600 billion (US$450.6 billion) in 2023, the implications of this political evolution will be closely watched, particularly in how it affects governance and policy-making in the years to come [392473b7].