As Singapore rolls up its sleeves for the General Election (GE) 2025, political parties have unveiled their manifestos, offering voters a glimpse into their visions for the nation’s future.
From affordability and healthcare to housing and sustainability, the manifestos of the People’s Action Party (PAP), Workers’ Party (WP), Progress Singapore Party (PSP), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and Red Dot United (RDU) reflect distinct priorities and approaches.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of each party’s key proposals, highlighting their strengths, challenges, and overarching themes.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned observer, this guide will help you navigate the promises shaping Singapore’s political landscape.
“Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve – Securing a Brighter Future for You.”
Unveiled by Secretary-General Lawrence Wong, this slogan frames the PAP’s manifesto as a roadmap for navigating global uncertainties with renewed leadership and determination.
The PAP manifesto emphasizes continuity while introducing innovative solutions to address emerging challenges. Key highlights include:
Strengths: Comprehensive focus on long-term planning and infrastructure development.
Challenges: Critics argue that some proposals lack bold reforms to address immediate cost-of-living concerns.
“Working for Singapore.”
Launched by WP chief Pritam Singh, this succinct slogan reinforces the party’s commitment to representing voices that risk being overlooked and proposing fresh policy ideas for Singaporeans
The WP positions itself as a champion of affordability and inclusive growth, with a strong emphasis on accountability. Key proposals include:
Alleviate everyday costs & secure incomes
– Set up a permanent Standing Parliamentary Committee on the Cost of Living
– Introduce redundancy insurance (40% of salary for up to 6 months) and a $1,600 statutory minimum wage
– Move to tiered pricing for electricity and water to lower bills for smaller consumers.
Build skills & strengthen local employment
– Tie Employment Pass renewals to demonstrable skills transfer to Singaporeans
– Provide zero-interest SkillsFuture education loans alongside existing credits
– Support SMEs through streamlined green-transition grants and an export-import bank
– Offer CPF members the option to co-invest savings with GIC for higher returns.
Enable flexible, lifelong work & retirement
– Abolish the statutory retirement age and outlaw age discrimination under the Workplace Fairness Act
– Enshrine formal Flexible Work Arrangement rights for all employees
– Establish a non-profit National Transport Corporation to keep fares and commuting costs in check.
Deepen democracy & institutional accountability
– Lower the voting age to 18, abolish GRC/NCMP/NMP schemes, and revert to Single Member Constituencies
– Create independent oversight bodies (e.g., Ombudsman, Parliamentary Budget Office) and enact a Freedom of Information Act
– Strengthen anti-scam protections by mandating proactive fraud-detection and capping consumer liability at $500.00
Strengths: Bold ideas on affordability and governance reforms.
Challenges: Some proposals, such as abolishing GRCs, may face resistance from established frameworks.
“Progress for All.”
The PSP adopted this slogan to signal its focus on equitable economic growth and policy reforms benefiting every segment of society
The PSP focuses on addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, healthcare, and job security. Key highlights include:
Strengths: Practical solutions for immediate concerns like housing and healthcare.
Challenges: Proposals like EP reforms may face pushback from businesses reliant on foreign talent.
“Thrive, Not Just Survive.”
Announced by Chee Soon Juan, the SDP’s slogan captures its ambition to alleviate everyday burdens—such as cost of living—and enable Singaporeans to lead fuller, worry-free live.
The SDP advocates for transformative changes to create a more equitable society. Key proposals include:
Strengths: Visionary proposals for systemic reforms in healthcare and housing.
Challenges: Radical measures like abolishing Temasek may face skepticism about feasibility.
“First-Class Citizens, Fairer Singapore.”
With this slogan, RDU positions its platform around a new social compact, promising all Singaporeans equal opportunities and stronger social safety nets.
RDU’s manifesto centers on five pillars — Housing, Equitable Healthcare, Assured Prosperity, Resilient Economy, and Transparency. Key highlights include:
Strengths: A holistic approach emphasising dignity and inclusivity.
Challenges: Specific policy details are less developed compared to other parties.
| Aspect | PAP | WP | PSP | SDP | RDU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Areas | Long-term planning, innovation, infrastructure | Affordability, accountability, inclusion | Immediate cost relief, housing, job security | Systemic reforms, equity, transparency | Holistic social contract, sustainability |
| Cost of Living | Limited direct measures; tech-driven solutions | GST alternatives, utilities reform | GST rollback, hawker support | GST reduction, GLC divestment | Broad commitment to affordability |
| Healthcare | Preventive care, infrastructure expansion | Enhanced support for vulnerable groups | Expanded MediSave uses, mental health focus | Single-payer system, free maternal care | Equitable access regardless of income |
| Housing | Diverse options, rejuvenation plans | Not detailed | Affordable Homes Scheme, Millennial Apartments | Non-Open Market flats, priority schemes | Secure and affordable housing |
| Governance | Established frameworks, continuity | Electoral reforms, transparency | Simplified schemes, EP reforms | Abolish GRCs, demand GIC transparency | Openness, accountability |
The manifestos of Singapore’s political parties for GE2025 reveal diverse visions for the nation’s future.
The PAP champions continuity and innovation, while the WP advocates for affordability and accountability.
The PSP addresses immediate concerns like housing and healthcare, the SDP pushes for radical reforms, and the RDU envisions a new social contract centered on dignity and inclusivity.
As voters weigh these proposals, they must consider which vision aligns most closely with their aspirations for Singapore’s future. Will it be stability and progress, bold reforms, or systemic transformations? The choice is yours.
Let us know what you think about this topic, and what do you want to hear next.
Read more on these party policies breakdown on:
You can now be our community contributor and make a pitch to have your favourite personality be on our show.
Join our community group and drop us your insights on this topic.