Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has urged Singaporeans to re-elect his entire cabinet in the upcoming May 3 elections, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership to manage the nation's complex relations with both the United States and China during escalating global tensions. Wong's call to action came on the final day of campaigning, stressing the need for stable governance in the face of economic challenges.

Addressing the country’s 1.4 million-strong labor union, Wong warned of the potential economic fallout, including job losses, if US tariffs continue to disrupt global trade. With Singapore’s trade-dependent economy already at risk of a recession, Wong highlighted the significance of maintaining strong leadership to handle these uncertainties.

"We must anticipate increasing pressures, and it will require skill and experience to navigate them," Wong stated. "We need government leaders who have cultivated strong, trusted relationships with both the US and China."

The Prime Minister’s plea for the re-election of his full cabinet underscores his belief that continuity and experience are critical in overcoming the economic challenges ahead. He noted that while there are capable backup leaders, losing key figures would impair the functioning of the cabinet, referring specifically to the possible defeat of his deputy prime minister.

The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has been in power since 1959, is expected to remain in control, although public dissatisfaction, particularly over rising living costs, is growing. Wong’s comments reflect the increasing pressure on the PAP to maintain public support amidst these economic concerns.

In a strategic move, the PAP fielded Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in a hotly contested northeastern ward, despite his unfamiliarity with the constituency. Gan, known for leading Singapore’s COVID-19 taskforce and currently heading the “economic resilience” taskforce dealing with US tariff impacts, has become a central figure in the election. Wong strongly backed Gan, calling him his “taskforce man” and emphasizing his national prominence.

The opposition Workers’ Party, which secured 10 seats in the last parliament, has questioned Gan’s suitability for the constituency, describing him as a “stranger” to the area.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Wong, who took over as PAP leader just a year ago following Lee Hsien Loong’s leadership. As campaigning wraps up, six political parties and an independent candidate held rallies, with voters set to cast their ballots on Saturday. Friday is designated as a “cooling-off” day, with all campaigning prohibited.

The outcome of this election is expected to significantly influence how Singapore navigates ongoing global economic challenges and will shape the future of the nation’s leadership.