Inside Singapore’s Election Process: Trends and Insights

 

The 2025 Singapore General Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, marking the nation's 14th general election since independence and the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's leadership. This election is a significant milestone as it tests the People's Action Party's (PAP) transition to its fourth-generation (4G) leadership team.​

Election Overview

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Seats Contested: All 97 parliamentary seats across 33 constituencies, comprising 18 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and 15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) .

• Nomination Day: April 23, 2025

• Campaign Period: April 24 to May 1, 2025

• Cooling-off Day: May 2, 2025​

 Political Landscape

• People's Action Party (PAP): Led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the PAP is introducing 32 new candidates, the largest renewal since independence. Notably, the slate includes a record number of women, aiming to rejuvenate the party's image and appeal to younger voters.

• Opposition Parties:

• Workers' Party (WP): Fielding 26 candidates, the WP aims to increase its parliamentary presence. They have withdrawn from one constituency, resulting in a walkover for the PAP in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC.

• Other Parties: Various opposition parties are contesting in 92 out of 97 seats, indicating a highly competitive election.

Key Issues

• Economic Concerns: The imposition of U.S. tariffs is projected to cause a significant negative income and demand shock to Singapore's economy. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has adjusted monetary policy accordingly, and the government has revised its GDP growth forecast to 0%-2%.

• Cost of Living: Rising living costs remain a central concern for voters, influencing campaign promises and party platforms.

• Leadership Transition: This election serves as a referendum on the PAP's new leadership under Lawrence Wong, following the party's weaker performance in the 2020 elections.

Campaign and Regulations

• Social Media Oversight: Under new election rules enacted in 2023, the government has ordered the removal of certain Facebook posts by foreigners deemed to influence electoral outcomes. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) issued these orders to Meta, Facebook's parent company.

• Party Political Broadcasts: The IMDA has scheduled two Party Political Broadcasts (PPBs) on free-to-air television and radio, allowing political parties to present their messages to the public.

Prime Ministers of Singapore:

Prime Minister	Term	Key Highlights
Lee Kuan Yew	1959–1990	Founder of modern Singapore
Goh Chok Tong	1990–2004	Economic resilience and inclusive leadership
Lee Hsien Loong	2004–Present	Digital innovation, handling COVID-19
(Incoming) Lawrence Wong	(2025 onward)	4G leadership transition, Forward SG vision

🗺️ Electoral Map and Resources

• Electoral Boundaries: Detailed maps and information on GRCs, SMCs, and polling day results are available on the official Singapore Government website.

• Voter Information: The Elections Department provides comprehensive FAQs and guidelines for voters, including eligibility and polling procedures.

Eligibility to Vote

To cast your vote in GE2025, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Singapore citizen

• At least 21 years old as of 1 March 2025

• Registered on the electoral roll with your residential address on your NRIC​.

If you're residing overseas, you must have a local contact address registered with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to be eligible to vote. You can verify your eligibility and polling station details via the Elections Department (ELD) Voter Services portal.

Tips for First-Time Voters

• Familiarize Yourself with the Voting Process: Understand how to mark your ballot paper correctly to ensure your vote is valid.

• Stay Informed: Research the candidates and their manifestos to make an informed choice.

• Respect Campaign Guidelines: Be aware of the rules regarding election advertising and campaigning, especially during the Cooling-Off Day.

• Seek Assistance if Needed: Polling stations are equipped to assist elderly voters and those with disabilities. ​

Understanding Your Constituency

Singapore is divided into 33 constituencies:

• 18 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs)

• 15 Single Member Constituencies (SMCs)​

Each constituency elects Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent residents. You can find information about your constituency and the candidates contesting in GE2025 through official channels and news outlets.

What to Bring on Polling Day

Ensure you have the following items:

1. NRIC: Your original NRIC (physical or digital via Singpass). Alternatively, you may present other acceptable documents of identity, including your passport or identity cards issued by the Ministry of Defence, Singapore Police Force, or Singapore Civil Defence Force for uniformed personnel. Photocopies are not accepted.

2. Poll Card: Either the physical poll card mailed to your address or the ePoll card available on the Singpass app. You can also retrieve your ePoll card via the ELD Voter Services portal.

Polling stations operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly, as late arrivals will not be permitted to vote.

For more updates on the events of SG keep following the blog Ishify and comment your thoughts on which topic you are most interested to know further.