Singapore votes in key election for PM Wong's mandate

Singaporeans voted in a general election widely viewed as a pivotal test for new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong and leads the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). The PAP is expected to retain its dominance, but the opposition hopes to build on previous gains amid discontent over government control and rising living costs. Wong, a US-trained economist and former Covid task force leader, has sought a strong mandate to guide the trade-dependent nation through economic uncertainty and potential fallout from US tariffs. While the PAP's overwhelming majority is considered a norm, the share of the popular vote is closely watched as an indicator of support for Wong's leadership. Local issues such as cost of living and housing remain top concerns for voters in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Polling is compulsory, and results are expected in the early hours following voting.