Singapore's parliament has been officially dissolved in anticipation of a general election due to be held within the next three months, Reuters reported, reports News.bg.
The vote will be the first electoral test for new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who takes over the leadership of the country and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in May 2024, succeeding longtime leader Lee Hsien Loong.
The PAP, which has ruled the country uninterrupted since independence in 1965, is almost certain to retain its majority. However, its vote share will be closely watched, especially after one of its weakest performances in the last election in 2020.
The election is being held against a challenging economic backdrop. US trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are expected to have a negative impact on economic activity in Singapore, a country heavily dependent on international trade. On Monday, the government revised down its economic growth forecast for 2025 from a previous range of 1-3% to a new range of 0-2%.
The PAP's popularity has been declining in recent years, while the opposition has increased its presence in parliament. It won a record 10 seats in the 2020 election, after gaining momentum with six seats in 2011 and 2015.
This time, voters will vote for 97 MPs - four more than in previous elections. The vote will determine the future of the new leadership and the direction of the country.