SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has once again refused to confirm the upcoming general election date, stating that elections “will come when they come”.
Speaking to reporters in Hanoi on 26 March before returning from a two-day visit to Vietnam, Wong addressed the importance of the next election, highlighting the need for a strong mandate.
“The upcoming general election is not just about the People’s Action Party (PAP) needing a strong mandate, but Singaporeans recognising that much is at stake for the country in this new environment,” he said.
“In order to survive, in order to thrive, in order for us to navigate a very challenging global environment, we will need a strong and united Singapore. So there is much at stake in the elections,” he added.
Wong stated that when the election is called, he would present his case for the PAP, seeking the mandate of the people.
“When the elections come, I will present my case for the PAP, for me and my team, and I hope Singaporeans will give me the chance to serve them and to serve Singapore.”
Public servant resignations fuel election speculation
While Wong remains tight-lipped about the election date, a wave of senior public servant resignations and the EBRC report released in March suggest the PAP is preparing to field new candidates, making a May election likely.
On 25 March alone, at least four high-ranking officials announced their resignations.
Shawn Loh, a key figure in overseeing Singapore’s last two national budgets, will leave the public service on 6 April.
Meanwhile, Second Permanent Secretary Jeffrey Siow from the Ministries of Manpower and Trade and Industry, Permanent Secretary for Finance Tan Ching Yee, and Goh Hanyan, a director in the Smart Nation Strategy Office, have also stepped down.
Earlier, Deputy Secretary (Policy) Jasmin Lau from the Ministry of Health and Director for Private and Future Mobility Foo Cexiang from the Ministry of Transport had also resigned
Most of these officials will leave in April, sparking speculation that some could enter politics, potentially pointing to a May election.
PM Wong also noted that he has been working hard to engage and persuade individuals to step forward into politics, expressing satisfaction that some have answered the call, including public servants.
At the same time, the PAP has continued to recruit potential candidates from various sectors, including academia, before finalising its slate of candidates.
“Along the way, we expose them, we test them, and it’s a two-way street. Some may not be ready this round, and we may consider them for the next. “
“Individuals themselves may also decide that politics is not quite for them, and they may opt not to proceed,” he explained.
“You will see new faces emerging on the ground. I’m sure the media is closely monitoring who they are,” he added.
Timing and electoral changes add to speculation
Singapore’s general election must be held by November 2025.
The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) released its report on 11 March, redrawing constituency boundaries, a move often seen as a prelude to an election.
The PAP has a history of fielding candidates from the civil service, requiring them to resign before engaging in political activities.
Notably, state media reported that Goh Hanyan was spotted on 17 March at a Meet-the-People Session in the PAP’s Zhenghua branch, part of the Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
While no official announcements have been made about the political intentions of the recent resignations, Wong’s remarks suggest the PAP has been actively recruiting these potential candidates.
Public reaction and political sentiment
Public reaction to Wong’s statements and the PAP’s renewal efforts has been mixed.
Comments on state media CNA’s Facebook page reflected scepticism about leadership renewal, with some arguing that each cycle of renewal has led to stagnation rather than progress.
Criticism centred on issues such as rising living costs, an influx of foreign workers, and the affordability of public housing.
Some citizens called for a more fundamental overhaul of the political system, advocating for greater fairness, independence, and stronger alternative voices in Parliament.
There were also concerns about policies introduced in Singapore’s post-COVID recovery period.
Many blamed past leaders for economic difficulties, expressing frustration over population growth targets, infrastructure strain, and job competition with foreigners.
Several comments noted that while Singapore remains well-regarded externally, there is a sense of internal stagnation.
Some expressed a willingness to support the opposition in the next election, believing it was time for political change.
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