Singapore's Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, has described the outcome of the general election as a decisive endorsement of the People’s Action Party (PAP), interpreting the result as a clear message of trust, stability and confidence in the government reports The Straits Times.

Speaking at a post-election media briefing at The Treasury in the early hours of May 4, Mr Wong said the strong mandate strengthens Singapore’s position amid global uncertainty.

He noted that the PAP had improved its vote share by four percentage points compared to the 2020 general election, securing 65.57% of the vote. The party won 82 of the 92 contested seats, holding on to all its existing constituencies. The Workers’ Party (WP) retained 10 seats, maintaining control of Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang SMC.

Mr Wong expressed gratitude for the result, which he described as humbling. He pledged that the government would continue working hard for all Singaporeans and seek to improve their lives.

This was Mr Wong’s first election as Prime Minister and PAP secretary-general, following his succession from Mr Lee Hsien Loong. He characterised the election as a pivotal moment, citing a shifting international landscape and economic headwinds.

As such it is an election being closely followed in the US as Washington looks to secure allies against China in its recent moves in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as locally in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia as talk increases in Southeast Asia on a possible combined response to tariffs being imposed by the US. 

Wong's immediate priority, he said, is the formation of a new Cabinet, which will be announced in due course. He explained that Cabinet appointments would be made based on individual capabilities and contributions.

Mr Wong also welcomed the re-election of key party members, including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who moved from Chua Chu Kang GRC to contest Punggol GRC. The switch, he said, was intended to signal the party’s seriousness in addressing residents' concerns. Mr Gan’s team secured 55.17% of the vote against a WP slate led by Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh.

During the campaign, Mr Gan was frequently referred to as a key figure in Mr Wong’s leadership team, noted for his role in Singapore’s Covid-19 response. Reflecting on the election, Mr Gan said each contest was an opportunity to renew trust with residents and expressed respect for his opponents.

Mr Wong reminded newly elected PAP Members of Parliament of the responsibilities that come with their mandate. He emphasised the importance of engaging residents, representing their interests in Parliament and championing causes that matter to them.

He further acknowledged that concerns such as the cost of living and housing were prominent during the campaign and promised renewed efforts to address them in the new term. He also underlined the government’s commitment to serving all Singaporeans, regardless of how they voted.

Mr Wong added that the PAP would reflect on the election outcome, draw lessons and continue to improve governance with citizen involvement. He reiterated a central message from his campaign, framing the nation’s key challenge not as a contest between political parties but as one between Singapore and global adversity.

Calling for national unity, he said the country must not be divided internally but should work together to secure a better future.

Asked whether the results indicated a voter shift towards perceived safety, Mr Wong recalled similar speculation during the 2020 election and urged caution in reading too much into voter psychology.