Analysts and the public anticipate a September election following PM Wong’s instructions to update the electoral roll.
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has recently instructed the Elections Department (ELD) to complete the electoral roll update by July 31, sparking widespread speculation that a general election may take place sooner than the legal deadline of 2025—potentially as soon as this September.
Historical trends suggest that an election could be scheduled relatively quickly. In 2020, Singapore’s general election was held just three months after the electoral roll update. If this timeline is followed again, it could point to a September election. Analysts highlight that the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report, which typically coincides with the update, will play a key role in confirming the election date.
“If the EBRC report is released soon, it would strongly suggest that the election could happen in September,” one analyst explained. “A delay in the report’s release, however, might push the election window to December.”
PM Wong’s decision to retain the current Cabinet lineup until after the election also fuels the theory of a snap election. “The Cabinet members will remain unchanged, and Prime Minister Wong’s Forward SG movement is already in full swing. There’s no need for additional time,” another analyst noted.
September is seen as a strategic time for the election, following Mr Wong’s first National Day rally in August. Some speculate that this timing could leverage the patriotic sentiments typically stirred during National Day celebrations, offering a chance to rally public support.
Public anticipation is growing. One commenter on the Singapore subreddit noted: “Probably after NDP, where they’ll boost patriotism, then announce freebies, and soon after, declare elections. Likely September.”
As all eyes remain on the developments, the release of the EBRC report will be a crucial signal in determining the timing of the nation’s next election.
