Synopsis
On April 15, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved Parliament, beginning preparations for the upcoming general election, as reported by local media. The ruling People's Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, faces increasing public discontent as the nation approaches its 14th election since independence.Key Takeaways
- President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved Parliament.
- A Writ of Election will soon be issued.
- This is Singapore’s 14th general election.
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong leads the ruling party.
- Public frustration over various issues is growing.
Singapore, April 15 (NationPress) — On Tuesday, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam officially dissolved the Parliament, thereby commencing preparations for the nation's forthcoming general election, as reported by local media.
A Writ of Election will soon be issued, detailing the specific polling day. The exact date for the election will be revealed later by the Returning Officer.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to lead the ruling People's Action Party into this electoral battle, according to Xinhua news agency.
This decision was made following the counsel of Prime Minister Wong, as stated in a release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
This election will be Singapore’s 14th since gaining independence and the first under Wong’s stewardship as prime minister.
The electoral process is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing global uncertainty, particularly with US President Donald Trump advancing significant tariffs on both allies and adversaries.
In a statement from April 8, Wong conveyed his disappointment, stating, “We are very disappointed by the US move, especially considering the deep and longstanding friendship between our two countries.”
During the 2020 general election, which took place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ruling People’s Action Party maintained its supermajority, securing 83 out of 93 seats. However, it experienced a decline in support from the Opposition, which raised its parliamentary representation from six to a record ten seats.
The share of the popular vote for the People’s Action Party also fell to a near-historic low of 61 percent.
Although Singapore has emerged as one of the wealthiest countries globally, it has concurrently become one of the priciest cities to inhabit. The People’s Action Party has faced backlash for its centralized governance approach, controls on the media, and the implementation of restrictive laws against dissent.
Public discontent has been on the rise due to issues like increasing income inequality, soaring housing prices, overcrowding linked to immigration, and restrictions on free expression—all of which have gradually diminished the party's previously unassailable grip on power.
