• People's Action Party (PAP) won 87 of 97 parliamentary seats, achieving a vote share of 65.57%.
• This election marked Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first test as leader, improving upon the PAP's previous performance.
• The Workers' Party (WP) retained its 10 seats but did not gain additional ground amid rising costs of living and global trade tensions.
• Analysts noted a voter "flight to safety" favoring the incumbent amid economic uncertainties linked to U.S. tariffs.
• Increased public discontent over living costs did not convert into significant opposition gains this election.

Singapore's ruling party, the People's Action Party (PAP), achieved a resounding victory in the recent general election, securing 87 of the 97 parliamentary seats and a total of 65.57% of the votes cast. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong hailed the results as a “clear and strong mandate” necessary for navigating the city-state through current global economic uncertainties, particularly those stemming from the trade tensions and tariffs instituted by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Wong, who became Prime Minister last year, emphasized the need for a strong government to face upcoming challenges in his post-election remarks. He expressed gratitude for the public’s trust, highlighting that the electoral outcome will position Singapore favorably amidst ongoing global instability and rising living costs. The PAP's victory increased its vote share from 61.24% during the previous election held in 2020, according to Channel News Asia, AA, and South China Morning Post.

The opposition, primarily represented by the Workers' Party (WP), maintained its presence with 10 seats but did not make any significant inroads during this election. Pritam Singh, the WP leader, acknowledged the challenges of competing against the PAP but highlighted their readiness to continue advocating for a balanced parliament. The party's performance underscored a consistent support base, with WP having won 50.04% in its contested constituencies, slightly down from the previous election, according to AA and Le Monde.

Experts noted that despite growing public dissatisfaction with the cost of living and a desire for political diversity, voters opted for the stability and familiarity offered by the PAP amidst a backdrop of economic instability. This phenomenon, termed a “flight to safety,” mirrors recent electoral outcomes in other democracies facing similar pressures. The WP's struggle to gain further seats amidst a favorable economic message from the PAP indicates a more discerning electorate, as detailed by analysts from the South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and SCMP.

The implications of this election extend beyond immediate political seats, as Wong's victory is also perceived as an affirmation of the PAP's broader strategy to consolidate power amidst regional and global challenges. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam echoed this sentiment post-election, underscoring the need for unity in advancing Singapore's political future, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.