TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The People's Action Party (PAP), which has long been in power in Singapore, has emerged victorious in the city-state’s election, extending its 66-year rule. The opposition Workers' Party (WP) fell far behind PAP in terms of votes.
The Elections Department announced that PAP won 87 out of the 97 parliamentary seats after the vote count concluded on Saturday. Meanwhile, the opposition WP retained 10 seats. With this election result, Lawrence Wong is set to return as the Prime Minister of Singapore.
Although the significant victory for PAP was anticipated, the real test is the support that the party can maintain under the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In 2020, the party's performance dipped when it only received over 60 percent of the vote. This was one of its weakest showings since gaining independence in 1965 after seceding from Malaysia.
Wong, who assumed office as the prime minister last year, campaigned on promises of continuity and new leadership. As reported by Al Jazeera, he faces the challenge of garnering support amid growing public concerns about the soaring cost of living and housing shortages in the city-state, which is one of the most expensive locations in the world.
Meanwhile, the opposition WP's ability to retain voters signals a shifting political sentiment, especially among younger voters. Saturday's polling marked the first test for the 52-year-old Wong, who replaced Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Following the election win, congratulations poured in, including from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Prabowo Subianto. "Warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on leading the People’s Action Party (PAP) to victory in Singapore’s General Election," said Anwar in a Facebook post, as quoted from Channel News Asia.
Anwar hailed the enduring relationship between the two countries and prayed for successful leadership for Wong. Anwar noted that the prosperity and security of Malaysia and Singapore are inseparable.
Indonesian President Prabowo also said on Sunday that Wong's resounding victory reflects the trust, stability, and confidence of Singaporeans in his strong leadership and the PAP. "My heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable (Lawrence Wong) on the victory of the People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore," he wrote on X.
"I believe that the new government will continue its success to lead Singapore."
Prabowo expressed hope to continue and strengthen Indonesia's partnership with Singapore under Lawrence Wong's leadership.
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