The city-state of Singapore is set to hold its general elections on May 3, following the dissolution of parliament by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Tuesday.
Nominations for candidates will take place on April 23, as confirmed by the election department.
On Nomination Day, individuals intending to run will submit their election paperwork. This will be followed by a nine-day campaigning period, culminating in a designated “cooling-off day” prior to the elections.
This upcoming election marks the 14th since Singapore gained independence and is notable for being Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s inaugural election at the helm. Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who led the government since 2004.
Local media outlet CNA reports that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) will be contested for all 97 parliamentary seats. Key voter issues identified leading up to the election are rising living costs, job security, and unemployment, according to a survey conducted in January.
The PAP has maintained governance over Singapore since the nation’s independence in 1965. In the previous general election held in 2020, the party secured 61.24% of the popular vote and won 83 out of 93 available seats in parliament.
This election is set against a backdrop of increasing global instability, with U.S. President Donald Trump implementing significant tariffs impacting various nations.
Discussing the tariffs, Wong expressed disappointment in a ministerial statement on April 8, stating, “We are very disappointed by the U.S. move, especially considering the deep and longstanding friendship between our two countries.”
On Monday, Singapore eased its monetary policy for the second consecutive time amid concerns that the economic growth could stagnate this year, following a less-than-expected GDP growth of 3.8% in the first quarter.
