PM faces first test as Singapore election campaign kicks off

Singapore's election campaign officially kicked off Wednesday, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong facing his first major test amid public frustration over rising living costs and a rejuvenated opposition. The May 3 polls are also coming as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs. Along with supporters, potential candidates gathered at nine nomination centres across the island to submit their documents to stand in the election.

Wong -- who took over in 2024 after succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew -- said "there is much at stake this election". "We are in a changed world with turbulence all around," he said. "Your vote will determine your future and your children's future.



" For more than half a century, Singapore has been dominated by the People's Action Party (PAP), which is expected to remain in power. But opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity. The main opposition Workers' Party (WP) has put up a list of charismatic candidates for the polls, ranging from a former diplomat to an ex-lawyer in the central bank.

Harpreet Singh Nehal, 59, a senior counsel, has garnered much attention from media with observers saying he is a star catch for the party. Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh urged voters to "keep up the momentum" in their support. "Let's have a more balanced parliament with more voices and credible choices," he said.

eh-skc/dhc.