A Surprising Shift Among Young Electorate

In a shocking twist during Singapore's General Election on May 3, 2025, younger voters have dramatically shifted their allegiance towards the political status quo, significantly boosting the People’s Action Party (PAP) by 4.33 percentage points. This trend contradicts the otherwise rising calls for political diversity among the populace.

Key Findings from the IPS Post-Election Survey

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) unveiled findings from a comprehensive post-election survey that captured insights from 2,056 voting-age Singaporeans, revealing a striking rise in conservative sentiments among the youth. The PAP's share of the popular vote surged to an impressive 65.57%, a major uptick from 61.24% in 2020.

The Rise of Young Conservatives: A Look at the Numbers

As per the IPS, the proportion of young conservatives aged 20 to 29 skyrocketed from 13.3% in 2020 to 28.6% in 2025. Similarly, those aged 30 to 39 saw a jump from 15% to 25.7%. Interestingly, this surge coincides with a slight decline in those advocating for political pluralism within the same age bracket.

Older Voters Call for Political Diversity

Conversely, voters aged 40 and up are increasingly favoring political pluralism, with a notable rise among those aged 65 and over, despite conservatives still outweighing pluralists in that demographic.

Material Concerns Drive Young Voter Decisions

Gillian Koh, IPS's senior research fellow, suggests that the younger generation’s newfound support for the PAP may stem from pressing material concerns this election cycle. Notably, 74% identified the cost of living as a crucial issue, marking a significant rise from 2020.”

Consolidation Among Established Parties

In the shadow of a sweeping victory for the PAP, the Workers' Party (WP) managed to retain its ground in key constituencies, securing Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC, and Hougang SMC, despite the overall swing to the PAP.

Perceptions of Credibility Changing Among Voters

The survey revealed that voters now regard the PAP and WP as equally credible, with the PAP’s credibility dipping to an average score of 3.9 in 2025, from 4.1 in 2020. Meanwhile, the WP's score remained steady at 3.9.

Candidates' Qualities Matter More Than Ever

As the election landscape shifts, voters increasingly value qualities such as honesty and community commitment in candidates. A significant number reported their decisions were influenced by candidates' experience in grassroots initiatives, responding to a trend of younger candidates being fielded.

The Takeaway: Voter Sentiments in Transition

Ultimately, while political pluralism continues to gain traction, voter allegiance remains highly influenced by the credibility and characteristics of the parties and candidates involved. As Singapore navigates these evolving political sentiments, the 2025 election serves as a pivotal moment in determining the future direction of the nation's governance.