🗓️ General Election Date: May 3

Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) is widely predicted to secure eight or nine out of every 10 seats in the upcoming May 3 general election, continuing its long-standing dominance. The PAP has governed Singapore since 1959, overseeing its transformation into a thriving financial hub with a population of six million. 🏙️

🔁 Why PAP Remains Dominant

The PAP’s enduring success stems from its focus on continuity and stability, with voters generally favoring the familiar ruling party over under-resourced opposition parties. 🗳️

“Opposition parties claimed that the playing field is somewhat uneven because they typically face a resource gap, less media exposure, and do not have strong grassroots support,” explained former PAP lawmaker Zainal Sapari.
He also pointed to “voters’ psychology,” with many associating the PAP with security and success. 🤝

⚖️ Despite Discontent, PAP Expected to Retain Power

Despite growing discontent with the PAP's governance, the expectation remains that they will retain power, a stark contrast to the trend of incumbents losing favor in many democracies post-COVID pandemic. 📉

Only Paraguay's Colorado Party, in power since 1947, has ruled a democracy longer than the PAP. Analysts attribute the PAP's sustained rule to its responsiveness to public concerns regarding:

🧍‍♂️ Immigration
🚆 Transportation
🏠 Housing prices
📊 Economic stability

📉 Flashback: PAP's Worst Performance in 2011

In 2011, the PAP experienced its worst election performance, winning 60.1% of the popular vote. While still a landslide victory, it prompted then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to apologize and take corrective steps:

🏡 Controlled housing prices
🌐 Managed immigration
🛣️ Expanded transportation infrastructure

📌 Key Points Recap:

✅ PAP expected to win 8–9 out of 10 seats
📅 In power since 1959
👥 Singapore population: 6 million
🗳️ PAP won 60.1% of the vote in 2011

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