Singapore is preparing for its next General Election, with the nation’s Parliament officially dissolved on 15 April 2025. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister’s Office, revealing that President Tharman Shanmugaratnam had acted on the advice of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to initiate the electoral process. Nomination Day is scheduled for 23 April, while citizens will head to the polls on 3 May 2025. This marks the first electoral test for Wong since he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as the head of the People’s Action Party in May 2024.
A Historic Budget Precedes the Election
Under Wong’s leadership, Singapore has already taken a significant fiscal step by introducing its largest-ever national budget. In March 2025, the government rolled out a $143 billion spending plan, setting the tone for the administration’s economic direction. This record-breaking budget could become a critical talking point during the nine-day campaign period following Nomination Day.
Crucial Dates Ahead of the Vote
Singapore’s electoral timeline for 2025 includes several key events. Nomination Day falls on 23 April, kicking off the campaign season, which concludes with Cooling-Off Day on 2 May. Polling Day is confirmed for 3 May. These dates follow the formal issuance of the Writ of Election, which occurred alongside the dissolution of Parliament.
New Electoral Boundaries Reflect Demographic Shifts
The 2025 general election will introduce major changes to Singapore’s electoral map, as outlined in the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s report released on 11 March. The new arrangement includes five additional Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and six new Single Member Constituencies (SMCs), largely due to population growth in areas such as Tengah, Sembawang, and Punggol. The updated electoral boundaries will support a Parliament of 97 elected members, a move designed to better represent the growing population.
Checking Your Constituency and Voting Details
To determine your constituency under the revised boundaries, eligible voters can refer to the Elections Department’s official Electoral Division Enquiry portal. This tool enables citizens to identify their assigned electoral division based on their residential details or registered local contact address if living abroad.
Eligibility Requirements for Voting in GE2025
Voting in Singapore is mandatory, and eligibility is determined by the Elections Department. Citizens must be at least 21 years old and registered in the certified Register of Electors. They should not be disqualified under any legal provision. Overseas Singaporeans are also eligible to vote if they have a registered Local Contact Address with the authorities.
How Voters Will Receive Their Polling Information
Qualified voters will receive their poll cards by post at the residential address registered with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority within a few days following Nomination Day. Alternatively, voters can access their electronic poll cards via the Singpass mobile app or through the Elections Department’s Voter Services portal online. These digital options serve as valid substitutes for physical poll cards at polling stations.
Public Holiday and Employment Rights on Polling Day
Polling Day on 3 May has been declared a public holiday in Singapore, in line with previous general and presidential elections. Despite the holiday status, citizens who are scheduled to work that day must still cast their votes. Employers are legally required to allow employees sufficient time to visit polling stations. The Elections Department urges voters to notify their employers in advance if they need time off to participate in the election.
As Singaporeans gear up for GE2025, the election represents a pivotal moment for the nation under its new leadership. With updated electoral boundaries and a historic budget already in place, the May 3 vote will play a significant role in shaping the country’s future direction.