A Strong Mandate for the PAP

In the recent GE2025 elections, voters delivered a robust mandate to the People's Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. But what factors influenced this outcome, and why did opposition parties fail to capitalize on their previous gains?

Is Protest Voting a Thing of the Past?

In this episode of the Deep Dive Podcast, hosts Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards engage with political analysts Associate Professor Eugene Tan and Dr. Reuben Ng to explore these pressing questions. A key topic of discussion centers around the notion of 'protest voting.' Historically, a significant segment of voters would consistently support opposition candidates regardless of who was fielded. However, recent electoral results suggest that this trend may be shifting.

Dr. Ng highlights a poignant concern, noting a 50% surge in voters who either abstained from voting or submitted spoiled ballots between 2020 and 2025. He raises the possibility that this could represent a new form of protest within the electorate—one that opposes the status quo without directly supporting alternative candidates.

The Role of Smaller Opposition Parties

The discussion then shifts to the role and relevance of smaller opposition parties. Both analysts remark on how these parties failed to make a significant impact during the elections, with some losing their deposits altogether. Professor Tan remarks that instead of being meaningful challengers, many smaller parties became fodder for memes and discourse, raising questions about their true purpose in the political landscape.

As the podcast unfolds, it becomes evident that the political environment in Singapore is evolving. With past strategies needing reevaluation, the future of opposition parties may hinge on their ability to engage a growing segment of disenchanted voters who feel disconnected from the electoral process.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for the Opposition?

As we digest the implications of GE2025, it’s clear that both opposition parties and the political system at large need to innovate and adapt. Moving forward, the real challenge lies in revitalizing interest among the electorate and converting apathy into participation. What will the opposition do next? Only time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher.

To delve deeper into these insights, catch the full discussion on the Deep Dive Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms.