If, like me, you stayed up until the early hours of 4 May to catch the full GE2025 results, you would have seen what was an overwhelming victory for the ruling People\u2019s Action Party (PAP). The PAP won 87 out of 97 seats, and its share of the national vote rose to 65.57%, up from 61.24% in GE2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from Dr Chee Soon Juan, who secured 46.81% of the vote in Sembawang West, only the Workers\u2019 Party (WP) managed to cross the 40% vote share in the constituencies it contested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Election results can significantly shape a country\u2019s direction and sentiment\u2014look at how things shifted in the U.S. after Donald Trump\u2019s election. And while there was little doubt that the PAP would be returned to power, GE2025 was still a key milestone as it marked Prime Minister Lawrence Wong\u2019s first electoral test. Following the results, PM Wong described the outcome as a \u201cclear and strong mandate to govern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the results now in and some time to reflect, here are three reasons why we believe GE2025 was a positive outcome for Singapore businesses and the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One key concern for many global businesses is how shifts in voter sentiment can influence policy decisions. In countries where political institutions are weaker or more fragmented, abrupt policy reversals aimed at appeasing short-term voter preferences are not uncommon. This kind of political instability creates uncertainty, deterring long-term investment and disrupting economic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, one of Singapore\u2019s core strengths, and a significant appeal to investors, is our political stability and strong governance. Consistent policymaking gives businesses the confidence and predictability to invest and operate long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The strong performance by the PAP in GE2025 will help alleviate any concerns foreign investors may have about sudden shifts in Singapore\u2019s economic direction. With a clear and renewed mandate, the government can confidently pursue its long-term strategies. This continuity offers reassurance that Singapore will remain a stable and reliable hub for business, even as the global environment becomes increasingly volatile and uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the PAP won most seats, the WP also performed respectably. Not only did it comfortably retain all the constituencies it had previously won, it also made inroads and mounted strong challenges in several others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a look at how the WP fared against the PAP in GE2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The WP successfully defended all three constituencies\u2014Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang SMC\u2014retaining 10 seats, the same number it held after GE2020. Beyond that, the WP also made strong showings in other areas it contested, securing at least 41% of the vote in each area. It came close to winning Tampines GRC and Jalan Kayu SMC, further cementing its position as the leading opposition party in Singapore, capable of winning seats if the incumbent PAP candidates underperform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the WP is still far from forming government, its credibility and consistency offer value to Singapore\u2019s political landscape. A strong and responsible opposition assures both Singaporeans and international observers that alternative voices exist, and can hold the government accountable when necessary. GE2025 reaffirmed WP\u2019s role in this space, and it would not be surprising to see the party grow in strength and influence in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from WP, the poor showing by most opposition parties highlights how discerning Singaporean voters have become. Voters are not simply casting protest votes. Instead, they distinguish between credible opposition candidates who offer constructive, alternative views and those who rely on populist rhetoric or empty criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an encouraging signal for investors and businesses: political support in Singapore is not easily swayed by noise, and fringe parties without serious policy platforms are unlikely to gain traction without first earning public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More broadly, the WP\u2019s ability to differentiate itself from other opposition parties reflects the continued maturation of Singapore\u2019s democracy. We don\u2019t need to see drastic shifts overnight. What\u2019s important is that if the ruling party falters, there\u2019s a credible opposition, not just any opposition, ready to step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/td> PAP (%)<\/strong><\/td> WP (%)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Aljunied GRC<\/strong><\/td> 40.32<\/td> 59.68<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> East Coast GRC<\/td> 58.76<\/td> 41.24<\/td><\/tr> Hougang SMC<\/strong><\/td> 37.83<\/td> 62.17<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Jalan Kayu SMC<\/td> 51.47<\/td> 48.53<\/td><\/tr> Sengkang GRC<\/strong><\/td> 43.69<\/td> 56.31<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Tampines Changkat SMC<\/td> 56.17<\/td> 43.83<\/td><\/tr> Tampines GRC<\/td> 52.02<\/td> 47.3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n #3 Weak Opposition Parties Are Increasingly Irrelevant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n