Economics
Singapore’s Version of a Political Shock Upends Old Playbook
- Younger voters may have given opposition its best-ever result
- PAP could face pressure on foreign workers, social safety net
Voters fill in their ballot papers in Singapore, on July 10.
Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Most political parties around the world would be thrilled to win 89% of seats in an election. Not in Singapore.
The worst showing for the ruling People’s Action Party, or PAP, since independence in 1965 prompted analysts to declare a “vote for change” that will trigger “soul searching” among the country’s leaders. Supporters for the main opposition Workers’ Party -- which took 10 of 93 seats up for grabs -- waved flags, blew whistles and beat drums like they were about to take office.