Singaporeans headed to the polls today to elect a new Parliament in a highly anticipated general election. Voting began at 5:30 AM IST and will continue until 5:30 PM. A total of 206 candidates from 11 political parties — including two independents — are competing for 92 parliamentary seats across 32 constituencies. More than 27 lakh eligible voters are casting their ballots, with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) having already secured five seats due to a walkover in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.
This election is a landmark moment as it is the first time Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is leading the PAP into battle since assuming office. The ruling party, which has won every general election since Singapore’s independence in 1965, is facing significant challenges from major opposition parties. The Workers’ Party, led by Pritam Singh, the Progress Singapore Party headed by Leong Mun Wai, and the Singapore Democratic Party under Paul Tambyah have mounted strong campaigns. Key voter concerns include rising living costs, limited affordable housing, economic slowdown, and fears of a looming recession.
Ballot counting will commence immediately after polls close at designated centers. Authorities will also release early projections through “sample counts” — random tallies of selected ballots — expected later tonight. These early results will provide a general idea of the outcome before official figures are announced. The closely watched election could reshape Singapore’s political landscape and signal shifts in public sentiment amid mounting domestic challenges.
