Tue Sep 17 06:50:58 UTC 2024: ## Singapore’s Ruling Party Faces Growing Scrutiny Amidst Concerns Over Narrowing Electoral Margins

**SINGAPORE** – Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has issued a stark warning that the People’s Action Party (PAP) could face limitations in making long-term decisions if electoral margins continue to shrink. During a speech at the Annual Public Service Leadership Ceremony, SM Lee highlighted the risks of a more fiercely contested political landscape, emphasizing that a narrowing gap between the PAP and opposition parties could lead to a focus on short-term political gains over long-term national interests.

“Singaporeans must understand the dangers this creates, and so must the public service,” SM Lee stressed. He emphasized that Singapore faces significant challenges in the years ahead, including rising expectations from citizens and growing global uncertainties.

SM Lee’s concerns arise from the PAP’s declining vote share in recent elections. In the 2020 General Election, the PAP secured 61.24% of the vote, a significant drop from the 69.9% achieved in 2015. The party also lost the newly introduced Sengkang GRC to the Workers’ Party (WP), a significant loss for the ruling party.

SM Lee attributed Singapore’s success over the past six decades to effective policies, political leadership, and a strong public service. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between political leaders and the public service to maintain stability, saying, “This is how we have been able to maintain political stability and deliver good government.”

Despite his warning, SM Lee’s remarks have been met with criticism from some netizens who accused him of fearmongering tactics aimed at securing a stronger mandate in the upcoming election. Others argued that a closer electoral margin would ensure greater checks and balances, leading to a more accountable system of government.

The debate surrounding the PAP’s dominance and the potential impact of narrowing electoral margins has highlighted the growing desire for greater representation and accountability from the ruling party. As Singapore prepares for its next General Election, scheduled to be held before November 2025, the question of whether the PAP will be able to maintain its long-standing grip on power amidst growing public scrutiny remains unanswered.

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