Singapore's Turbulent Elections Can PM Wong's Leadership Weather the Storm?

<br><br>**Title** Singapore's Turbulent Elections Can PM Wong's Leadership Weather the Storm?<br><br>As Singaporeans prepare to head to the polls on May 3, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first electoral test since taking office last year. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) is expected to retain power, but opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity.<br><br>The global economic landscape has become increasingly uncertain, with US tariffs disrupting global supply chains and sparking fears of a trade war with China. As a small but wealthy city-state, Singapore finds itself exposed and vulnerable. The country's parliament was dissolved on Tuesday, clearing the way for the vote.<br><br>Wong seeks a strong mandate to steer the country through these turbulent times, warning that the era of rules-based globalization and free trade is over. He needs a convincing show of support from voters to strengthen his hand in negotiating with other countries and protecting the economy.<br><br>The opposition hopes to build on its historic gains in 2020, when the Workers' Party won 10 seats. This time around, it's expected to field candidates like Harvard University-trained senior counsel Harpreet Singh, who believes that Singapore can be a much better and stronger country with more balanced politics.<br><br>The election comes at a precarious time for Singapore. The global trading system is under strain, and the country's economy has been downgraded from 1.0 to 3.0 percent growth forecast to between zero and 2.0 percent. The opposition is poised to challenge PAP dominance, with some predicting an emergence of a one-and-a-half party system.<br><br>While it remains unclear how economic uncertainty will shape voter behavior, concerns exist that the climate could trigger a flight-to-safety move that benefits incumbents. However, others believe that the 2020 election experience, which saw opposition gains despite the pandemic, suggests that voters may be more open to alternative views in parliament.<br><br>Ultimately, the outcome hinges on how much Singaporeans wish to have more alternative views in parliament while still keeping PAP in power. Will PM Wong's leadership survive the storm, or will the opposition gain ground? Only time will tell.<br><br>**Keywords** Singapore elections, Lawrence Wong, People's Action Party (PAP), global economy, trade war, tariffs, Workers' Party, opposition gains, politics, democracy