SINGAPORE: Cost of Living Rise as Major Voter Concern

As Singapore approaches its crucial general election, an alarming survey reveals that the rising cost of living is the primary concern for voters, with an astonishing one in four Singaporeans still undecided about whom to support. Conducted by Blackbox Research as part of its SensingSG sentiment tracker, this eye-opening study highlights the pressing issues that are shaping the minds of the electorate ahead of the polls.

The survey, released on January 16, included responses from 1,310 eligible voters across diverse demographics, and it underscores the urgency of economic challenges. The cost of living topped the list of worries, with 34.8% of respondents ranking it as their biggest concern. This was followed closely by job security (15.6%) and the current state of the economy (15%).

Election Context under New Leadership

Notably, the next general election must be held by November 23, marking Singapore's 14th since its independence and the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's fourth-generation leadership. As 2025 approaches, Singaporeans are clearly focused on everyday issues, echoing a sentiment expressed by David Black, founder and CEO of Blackbox Research. He stated, “Voters are more concerned about their everyday lives and financial stability than broad political narratives.”

Undecided Voters: The Dilemma

A staggering 26.8% of survey participants remain uncertain about their voting choices, with younger voters aged 21 to 29 exhibiting the highest levels of indecision—around one-third have yet to commit. In stark contrast, older Singaporeans (50 and above) show a strong sense of confidence, with nearly three-quarters expressing certainty about their electoral decisions.

Influence of Economic Factors

Economic discontent isn't just a mere statistic; it resonates deeply, dictating the priorities of Singaporean voters. The survey reveals intricacies in voter demographics, showing that individuals from middle-income and high-income households are significantly more decisive about their choices than their low-income counterparts.

Dominance of Economic Issues

In evaluating the factors influencing their voting choices, economic issues unsurprisingly dominate the landscape. Respondents were asked to identify their top concerns from a list of 20 factors. Following the concerns over the cost of living, political issues such as stability (14%) and trust in political parties (13.5%) followed closely behind. Housing costs emerged as another vital issue, particularly among voters under 49, emphasizing the intersecting nature of economic and housing policies.

Voter Priorities: Local Governance vs National Politics

Despite the turbulence surrounding political narratives, the survey indicates that voters prioritize local governance and the quality of representatives within their constituencies. A remarkable 90% of respondents expressed that local governance matters more than national politics, highlighting a preference for tangible, on-the-ground improvements over broad electoral promises.

Public Sentiment on MPs

In dissecting public satisfaction with MPs, a significant 87.1% of respondents rated their elected officials positively. However, regional and demographic disparities surfaced: dissatisfaction was notably highest in the western parts of Singapore, where nearly 18% expressed negative views about their MPs. Conversely, constituents in central areas praised their representatives' performance, showcasing a stark divide in public sentiment based on geographical and age-related lines.

Countdown to GE2025: Choices Ahead

As the countdown to the general election ticks away, Singaporeans are faced with a pivotal choice—will they opt for continuity in leadership or demand fresh perspectives to tackle the pressing issues of the day? The looming question remains: will the voices of the undecided be heard, or will they shift the political landscape in unforeseen ways? As we delve deeper into the implications of these survey results, one thing is clear: the Singaporean electorate is at a crossroads, driven by an urgent call for action on the issues that matter most.