Political parties in Singapore

Since gaining independence on 9 August 1965, Singapore has evolved into a city-state with a unique political landscape marked by the dominance of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and a gradual emergence of opposition parties. Singapore’s political system is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, where political parties play a crucial role in shaping policies and governance. While PAP has been the ruling party since 1959, various opposition parties have gained traction over the years, providing alternative perspectives and challenging the status quo.

Early Years and Formation of Political Parties (1950s–1960s)

The roots of political party formation in Singapore trace back to the late 1950s, as the country sought independence from British colonial rule. The People’s Action Party (PAP), founded in 1954 by Lee Kuan Yew and other prominent leaders, initially positioned itself as a socialist party with a strong anti-colonial stance. In the formative years, PAP’s main opposition was the Labour Front, a left-leaning party led by David Marshall, who became Singapore’s first Chief Minister in 1955. However, PAP eventually emerged as the dominant party by winning the 1959 Legislative Assembly election, marking the beginning of its uninterrupted governance in Singapore.

Singapore’s full independence in 1965, following a brief two-year merger with Malaysia, solidified the PAP’s central role in shaping the nation’s future. The party focused on economic growth, social stability, and meritocratic governance, which became hallmarks of Singapore’s development strategy.

Evolution of Opposition Parties (1970s–1980s)

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, opposition parties in Singapore faced numerous challenges, including limited access to media, constraints on political gatherings, and stringent defamation laws. Nevertheless, several opposition parties were established, including the Workers’ Party (WP), founded in 1957 by former Chief Minister David Marshall, and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), founded in 1980 by Dr Chiam See Tong. The Workers’ Party gradually emerged as the main opposition force, gaining popularity for its advocacy on issues such as cost of living, housing, and political transparency.

Despite these challenges, prominent opposition figures like J B Jeyaretnam of the Workers’ Party made significant inroads. In 1981, Jeyaretnam became the first opposition Member of Parliament (MP) in Singapore’s post-independence era, winning the Anson by-election and marking a milestone in Singapore’s political history.

Modernisation and Growing Opposition (1990s–2000s)

The 1990s saw the PAP embrace political modernisation, introducing policies aimed at enhancing public participation and feedback. During this period, opposition parties continued to gain visibility, though PAP’s dominance remained largely unchallenged. The Singapore Democratic Party, under the leadership of Dr Chee Soon Juan, became vocal on issues of human rights and democratic freedoms. However, the party faced legal battles that limited its influence in subsequent years.

In the 2000s, political engagement among Singaporeans grew, driven by rising costs, housing issues, and a desire for increased political transparency. The Workers’ Party, under the leadership of Low Thia Khiang, gained a stronger foothold and began winning more seats in Parliament. By 2011, WP secured six seats, marking the highest representation for an opposition party since independence.

Recent Developments and Political Pluralism (2010s–Present)

In recent years, Singapore’s political landscape has seen gradual diversification, with new parties like the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), founded in 2019 by Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a former PAP MP, entering the scene. In the 2020 general election, WP achieved a historic victory, capturing Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), the first GRC to be won by an opposition party. This election reflected a shifting political environment where voters are increasingly open to alternative voices and political pluralism.

The PAP remains Singapore’s dominant political force, and its governance approach, particularly on socio-economic policies, continues to shape the country's trajectory. However, the growing presence of opposition parties, especially the Workers' Party and the Progress Singapore Party, indicates a changing political climate with increased engagement from citizens on national issues.