Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has secured a landslide victory in the general elections, reaffirming its political dominance and providing Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with a strong mandate amid a shifting regional landscape. The party crossed the 49-seat majority threshold in the 97-member parliament, with preliminary counts showing PAP winning all but 10 seats.

Wong, addressing jubilant supporters in Yio Chu Kang, thanked citizens for the trust placed in him. “We are grateful once again for your strong mandate, and we will honour it,” he said. As his first major electoral test since taking office, the result cements his role at a time when ASEAN faces growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

The vote followed a period marked by domestic controversies—including a corruption scandal and a public dispute within Singapore’s most prominent political family—but Wong’s reputation as a stabilizing figure during the COVID-19 crisis and his pragmatic economic approach resonated with voters. His emphasis on keeping Singapore open and competitive, especially in light of possible U.S. tariffs, highlighted regional trade sensitivities.

Wong also faces the task of maintaining Singapore’s pivotal role in ASEAN. His leadership will be closely watched by regional partners, particularly as economic restructuring becomes inevitable in response to global pressures. The PAP’s renewed mandate is seen by analysts as a call for continuity and resilience in policy direction.

Despite efforts from a rejuvenated opposition, including the Workers’ Party’s campaign on cost-of-living issues, the ruling party’s grip on parliament remains firm. Yet, growing engagement from younger voters and civil society voices suggests a slow but notable shift in Singapore’s political narrative—one that could ripple across Southeast Asia in the years ahead.