Timing of Singapore’s elections still undecided, says PM

Posted on 09/11/2024

SINGAPORE: The timing of the next Singapore general election has yet to be decided, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said today.

Stating that the people would know once the process begins, he said he has “all the time from now until the end of next year” to decide.

The next general election must be called by November 2025.

Speaking at a press conference with local media, Wong noted that the electoral boundaries review committee has not convened. “When we do so, we will announce it, as we always do. We won’t do these things quietly,” he said.

The last few general elections were called between one to three months after the release of the committee’s report.

Wong, who is also finance minister, said preparations for the 2025 budget had begun, with pre-budget consultations set to start next month.

He said the government would focus on several broad themes, such as economic strategies; opportunities, skills upgrading, and jobs for workers and better income for everyone.

“I know that the cost of living remains a key concern for many. We have had measures announced in this year’s budget that are still being rolled out and hopefully will provide some relief,” he said.

Asked to comment on the election of Donald Trump as the next US president, the prime minister said he believes Singapore will be able to continue working well with the new administration.

He said during Trump’s first term, Singapore and the US extended their agreement on defence, while trade and investments continue to grow in a very productive manner.

Wong said Singapore is concerned about the broad dynamics in the US-China relationship, which is currently in a challenging place, regardless of who is in power. “We hope leaders on both sides will make wise choices to engage with one another, to find a way to coexist. Where possible, Singapore will do its part to facilitate such a relationship,” he said.

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