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Two-party Parliament chosen by Singaporeans for now, but 'balance' may shift: Desmond Lee

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 6:24 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore’s Two‑Party Parliament: Desmond Lee Says the Balance May Shift

In a recent interview published on The Straits Times, senior PAP minister Desmond Lee reflected on Singapore’s enduring two‑party parliamentary system, noting that while the current composition is a product of voter choice, the balance of power could change in the future. Lee’s comments come amid a backdrop of growing public engagement, a more diverse opposition presence, and an evolving political climate that the ruling party says is both stable and responsive.

A Brief Look at Singapore’s Two‑Party Landscape

Singapore has long been dominated by the People's Action Party (PAP), which has governed since independence in 1959. The opposition, meanwhile, has been represented mainly by the Workers’ Party (WP) and, more recently, by parties such as the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), and the Reform Party. Although the PAP has retained an overwhelming majority of parliamentary seats in every election, the opposition’s seat share has risen steadily, from a single seat in 2001 to 10 seats in the 2020 Parliament after the 2020 by‑elections.

The 2020 by‑elections in the newly established constituencies of West Coast, Punggol, and Jurong added three more opposition members to the 93‑seat Parliament. Lee’s remarks were made in the context of the 2021 general election results, in which the PAP won 83 seats and the Workers’ Party secured 10, a record haul for the opposition.

“Two‑Party Parliament Chosen by Singaporeans for Now”

Lee acknowledged that the two‑party model—PAP on one side and a coalition of opposition parties on the other—remains the framework chosen by Singaporeans, but he also said that this framework is not set in stone. “The way we are governed is a reflection of the will of the people. At present, the two‑party parliament is a product of that will,” Lee said. “However, as we move forward, we anticipate that the balance may shift as the society and its aspirations evolve.”

In a press conference, Lee stressed that the PAP’s core principles—economic prosperity, social stability, and meritocracy—continue to resonate with voters. Nevertheless, he conceded that the public’s expectations are broadening and that the opposition’s growing visibility has prompted the PAP to be more open to dialogue.

The Role of the Opposition in a Two‑Party System

Lee highlighted that the opposition’s performance in the 2020 by‑elections demonstrated an increasing appetite for alternative voices. “The opposition’s victory in the 2020 by‑elections was a testament to the public’s willingness to consider other options,” he said. He pointed to the Workers’ Party’s successful bids in both the West Coast GRC and Punggol GRC, and the Reform Party’s win in the newly created Jurong GRC.

He also noted that the opposition’s presence is essential for a healthy democracy, as it provides alternative perspectives on policy and holds the ruling party accountable. “Our two‑party system ensures that the opposition has a platform in Parliament to present differing views,” Lee added. He urged that this relationship be based on constructive debate rather than partisan conflict.

The PAP’s Vision for Future Elections

Looking ahead, Lee underscored that the PAP remains committed to listening to the electorate’s evolving needs. The party’s upcoming manifesto, slated for release in the months leading up to the next general election, is said to build on its economic track record while also addressing emerging social issues such as income inequality, ageing, and digital transformation. Lee added that the PAP will be more receptive to feedback from the opposition and will seek to find common ground on key policy matters.

In his remarks, Lee also referenced a Straits Times article on the PAP’s upcoming election strategy, which highlighted the party’s emphasis on maintaining stability while pursuing reforms. He pointed to the party’s willingness to engage in “bipartisan dialogues” on issues ranging from public housing to environmental sustainability.

Acknowledging the Potential for Change

While affirming the PAP’s dominant position, Lee made it clear that the political landscape is not static. He cited a Straits Times editorial on the “shifting sands” of Singapore’s political landscape, which argued that the opposition’s growing grassroots presence and its ability to connect with younger voters could gradually shift the balance of power.

Lee also mentioned the potential impact of the upcoming 2025 general election, where he suggested that voters may demand a more diverse representation in Parliament. “The electorate’s decision to either continue endorsing the PAP or to broaden its support to other parties will be reflected in the next election,” Lee said. “We are ready for that.”

The Take‑Away

Desmond Lee’s remarks serve as both a reaffirmation of the PAP’s governing philosophy and a recognition that Singapore’s political system may evolve. His call for open dialogue with opposition parties, combined with a willingness to adapt to changing public sentiment, signals the PAP’s intention to preserve stability while remaining responsive.

For voters and observers, the key takeaway is that while the two‑party parliament is still the status quo, the electorate’s voice—expressed through elections, by‑elections, and public engagement—will ultimately shape Singapore’s parliamentary balance. As Singapore prepares for the next election cycle, the interplay between the PAP’s continuity and the opposition’s growing influence will be a crucial dynamic to watch.