Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has urged voters to re-elect his cabinet in the May 3 general election, emphasizing the need for experienced leaders with strong ties to both the U.S. and China. Addressing 1.4 million union members on the final day of the campaign, Wong warned of rising economic risks, including job losses and a possible recession driven by U.S. tariffs and slowing global growth.
“To navigate these challenges, we need skilled leaders with established trust and international relationships,” Wong said, calling on voters to back his full team to maintain stability. He stressed that while he has capable reserves, the cabinet would not perform at the same level if key members, including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, were lost.
Gan, who co-headed Singapore’s COVID-19 taskforce and now chairs the economic resilience taskforce, is contesting in a hotly debated ward in northeast Singapore. The opposition Workers’ Party, which won 10 seats in the previous election, has questioned Gan’s connection to the area, calling him a "stranger." Wong defended Gan, calling him “no stranger to Singapore” and vital to national economic recovery.
This election marks Wong’s first as prime minister since succeeding Lee Hsien Loong. The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), in power since 1959, is expected to win but faces public dissatisfaction over rising living costs.
Six parties and one independent candidate are holding final rallies Thursday before a mandatory cooling-off day on Friday. Voting is compulsory for 2.76 million Singaporeans, following a brief nine-day campaign season.
Wong’s remarks highlight the PAP’s focus on economic leadership and international diplomacy as key issues heading into the weekend vote.