SINGAPORE: The cost of living has emerged as the primary concern for Singaporeans as the nation approaches this year’s general election, with three-quarters of voters already certain about their choice, according to a recent survey.
Jobs and unemployment were identified as the second most pressing issue, followed by the state of the economy. These findings come from Blackbox Research’s sentiment tracker, SensingSG, which released on 16 January.
The survey, reported by CNA, polled 1,310 eligible voters earlier this month. Respondents were selected across various demographics—ethnicity, age, gender, housing type, and region—to reflect national representation.
The next general election, which must be held by 23 November, will mark Singapore’s 14th since independence and the first led by the fourth-generation leadership under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
David Black, CEO of Blackbox Research highlighted that Singaporeans are prioritising practical, everyday concerns over political buzz as GE2025 approaches.
Key issues include tangible improvements in local government services and the rising cost of living. He noted that voters are more focused on personal financial matters than on broader political themes.
Older and Higher-Income Voters Most Certain About Electoral Choices
Approximately 27 per cent of Singaporeans remain undecided about their choice for the general election. Younger voters aged 21 to 29 are the most uncertain, with a third yet to make up their minds.
Older voters, particularly those aged 50 and above, are the most decisive, with nearly three-quarters certain of their choices.
Middle- and high-income households also displayed higher voter certainty, with 74 per cent indicating they know whom they intend to vote for, compared to 65 per cent of low-income households.
Respondents identified their top two concerns from a list of 20 factors.
Cost of living and inflation (34.8 per cent), jobs and unemployment (15.6 per cent), and the state of the economy (15 per cent) ranked as the top three issues.
Political stability (14 per cent), trust in a political party (13.5 per cent), and government leadership (11.6 per cent) followed.
Housing costs (11.5 per cent) ranked seventh, particularly among voters under 49, for whom it was a top-three issue.
Other notable factors included the need for fresh thinking (8.2 per cent), national security (8.1 per cent), and support for the lower-income group (7.9 per cent).
Issues such as political scandals (5.7 per cent), the cost of motor vehicles and Certificates of Entitlement (4.1 per cent), and support for people with disabilities (6.6 per cent) ranked lower on the list.
Nearly 18% of Western Residents Rate MPs’ Performance Negatively
The survey revealed that voters value governance quality at the constituency level more than at the national level.
Around 90 per cent of respondents highlighted the importance of candidate quality and service delivery in their wards over broader concerns like the prime ministerial appointment or overall government performance.
While MPs received generally positive appraisals, regional disparities exist.
Constituents in central Singapore were the most satisfied, with over 90 per cent rating their MPs positively.
In contrast, nearly 18 per cent of western residents rated their MPs’ performance negatively.
Older voters aged 60 and above expressed the highest dissatisfaction, with nearly a quarter expecting better performance.
Conversely, younger respondents in their 20s and 30s gave overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 91 per cent rating their MPs favourably.
