The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has reported a decline in the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) credibility rating following the 2025 General Election.
According to the IPS Post-Election Survey 2025, the PAP’s mean credibility score fell from 4.1 in 2020 to 3.9 this year.
The results were released on 2 Sept, continuing a series of post-election surveys conducted by IPS since 2006.
The survey involved 2,056 citizens aged 21 and above, polled between 22 May and 1 Jun, shortly after the general election held on 3 May.
In the election, the PAP secured 65.57 per cent of the popular vote, marking Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first contest as Singapore’s fourth leader.
Cost of living becomes top voter issue
The cost of living emerged as the foremost concern among voters in GE2025.
Seventy-four per cent of respondents rated it “very important” — the highest level recorded in the history of IPS’s post-election surveys.
This represented a 27 percentage point increase from 2020.
The concern was more pronounced among older and returning voters, while first-time voters aged 21 to 29 were least affected.
Governance efficiency and housing affordability
Efficient governance was the second most cited priority, rated “very important” by 69 per cent of respondents.
This issue was particularly salient among Chinese voters and residents of larger Housing Board flats.
For the first time, housing affordability was included as a survey item, ranking third.
It was considered “very important” by 61 per cent of respondents, with the strongest concerns expressed by private housing residents.
Other concerns gain ground
Beyond these issues, fairness in government policy emerged as a significant matter, with 57 per cent rating it “very important.”
This was the highest proportion ever recorded for the category.
Neighbourhood facilities and estate upgrading also saw notable increases in importance, particularly among older residents of larger Housing Board flats.
The job situation remained among the top five concerns, with both fairness and jobs rising by 11 percentage points compared to 2020.
PAP and WP credibility scores converge
The IPS survey found that the credibility of the PAP and the Workers’ Party (WP) converged in GE2025.
Among respondents, 26 per cent “strongly agreed” that the PAP is credible, while 43 per cent agreed, giving a combined 69 per cent.
Eighteen per cent were neutral, and 7 per cent either disagreed or strongly disagreed, producing a mean score of 3.9.
The WP recorded a similar result. Twenty-four per cent “strongly agreed” it is credible, while 41 per cent agreed, down from 59 per cent in 2020.
Neutral responses rose to 22 per cent, while 6 per cent disagreed. Its mean score stood at 3.9 — unchanged from 2020, but now level with the PAP’s.
The survey also assessed other political parties.
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) achieved a mean credibility score of 3.3, with 36 per cent of respondents rating it as credible.
This was higher than the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), which scored 3.2.
Despite having two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament after GE2020, the PSP’s credibility declined from 3.5 in 2020 to 3.2 this year.
Age and demographic divides in support
The IPS study revealed differences in support across age groups.
Voters aged 65 and above were more likely to support the PAP, while those aged 21 to 39 leaned towards the WP.
Both parties drew backing from upper-middle income voters, but the WP also appealed to the middle-middle income group.
Ethnic minority voters were more likely to view opposition parties, including the WP, as credible.
The survey also identified contrasting trends in political attitudes by age.
Support for the political status quo rose among voters aged 21 to 39, which researchers described as a surprising finding.
Conversely, support for political pluralism — defined as having opposition voices in Parliament for checks and balances — grew among voters aged 40 and above.
Candidate qualities most valued
When evaluating candidates, voters placed higher emphasis on personal qualities than in previous elections.
Honesty was the most valued trait, particularly among those aged 55 to 64 and private housing residents. Efficiency and grassroots experience were also highlighted.
Fairness, hard work, and commitment were ranked highly by university graduates, professionals, and private housing residents.
Although the PAP won GE2025 with 65.57 per cent of the vote, the survey highlights changes in voter sentiment.
The party’s credibility rating declined to match that of the WP, marking a convergence not seen in past elections.
At the same time, cost of living pressures and housing affordability have risen sharply as dominant concerns.
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