Singapore Elections: Do We Actually Care, or Are We Just Here for the Chicken Rice?

Singapore Elections: Do We Actually Care, or Are We Just Here for the Chicken Rice?

What the World Doesn’t Know About Singapore, Its Politics, and Why This Year Might Just Be Spicier Than a Mala Hotpot

Wait, Singapore Has Elections?

Let’s just get this out of the way — no, Singapore is not in China. We’re a tiny red dot in Southeast Asia, about the size of a medium pizza, but with more rules and way better hawker food.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s talk elections. Yes, we have those too. Despite what some of my overseas clients think (“Wait, you guys VOTE?”), we do have a democratic process. And with the upcoming elections looming like that software update you’ve been ignoring, one big question remains:

Do Singaporeans actually care about the elections?

Let’s unpack that — like how I unpack my React code when debugging — slowly, painfully, and with a lot of console logs.

A Short History of Voting in the Land of Efficiency

Singapore has been ruled by the People’s Action Party (PAP) since forever. Well, since 1959, but in Singaporean terms, that is forever. The PAP is like that dependable old code library — you don’t really question it, it’s stable, and sometimes it feels like it’s just… always been there.

Growing up, elections felt more like a public holiday than a civic duty. My parents would go out early, vote, then go for breakfast and complain about parking. That was the routine. Political rallies? Eh. They watched them like reality shows — “Got drama, but in the end, same winner lah.”

But things might be changing. Let me tell you why.

New Voters, New Voices, New Vibes

These days, the new generation — those born after the 90s who think TikTok is a search engine — are starting to care more. Or at least, they’re more vocal about pretending to care on Instagram stories.

I work with a lot of fresh grads in the tech industry. One intern once told me, “Uncle, you still vote for PAP ah?” First of all, rude. Second of all, I appreciated the conversation. We talked about housing prices, CPF, and whether anyone really reads those government white papers. (Spoiler: No.)

There’s a spark now. And it’s not just coming from the government-endorsed Smart Nation booths. It’s genuine. Maybe it’s the cost of living. Maybe it’s the rise of alternative media. Maybe it’s just because memes make politics look fun. Whatever the case, young Singaporeans are asking questions.

And that’s new.

So, Do Singaporeans Really Care?

Okay, let’s be real. Not everyone in Singapore is suddenly turning into a political junkie. Most still care more about the latest bubble tea trend than party manifestos. But a shift is happening.

Here’s a personal story: In the last General Elections, my usually apathetic cousin posted a 20-slide Instagram story breaking down every party’s agenda. This is the same cousin who once thought “Opposition” was the name of a K-pop group.

But this year, she’s attending rallies. Real ones. Not just for the vibes.

What Makes This Election Different?

Great question, imaginary reader I just made up.

For one, the issues are more real than ever. Young people are struggling to afford homes, inflation is doing a taichi dance on our wallets, and job competition is fiercer than an MRT seat during peak hour.

Also, the opposition parties are louder, more organised, and less like the fringe Reddit threads they used to resemble. The Workers’ Party is gaining traction. Progress Singapore Party is trying to connect with the middle-class woes. And social media? It’s doing for politics what influencers did for collagen drinks — making it trendy.

Why the Global Public Should Care (Yes, Even You in Ohio)

You might be thinking, “Why should I care about a tiny island’s elections?”

Because Singapore punches above its weight. We’re a global financial hub, a melting pot of cultures, and yes, we make some damn good software developers. Ahem! Our politics, though often misunderstood, affect everything from regional diplomacy to tech policies that ripple worldwide.

Also, if you’ve ever complained about authoritarianism in your country, come visit us. We’ve practically trademarked the word “fine.”

Misconceptions from My International Clients

I once had a client ask, “So if your government changes, will your internet still work?”

Bro. We coded an entire contactless payment system in a year. We built a world-class contact tracing app faster than some countries could agree on what a mask was. The internet’s not going anywhere.

Another time, someone said, “You guys don’t have protests, right?”

Well, we have Speakers’ Corner. That counts, right? It’s like Hyde Park, but you need a permit. And your speech may be monitored. But hey, there’s a nice tree nearby.

Tips for Locals: How to Actually Get Involved (Without Losing Friends)

1. Read both sides. Not just what your cousin forwarded you on WhatsApp.
2. Attend a rally. It’s like a concert, but with more aunties and no EDM.
3. Talk to people. Yes, even that neighbour who always hogs the lift.
4. Vote wisely. This isn’t a school popularity contest. Your vote does count.

What I Wish People Knew About Singapore Politics

We’re not brainwashed. We’re not robots. We’re not stuck in 1959.

We’re pragmatic. We like things that work. And honestly, we just want our MRTs to run on time, our hawker stalls to stay open, and maybe — just maybe — a little more transparency in our politics.

As a dev, I often compare the government to legacy code. It works. It’s efficient. But every once in a while, you need to refactor, or at least leave room for a pull request.

Conclusion: Are We Waking Up, or Just Sleep-Typing?

So do Singaporeans care about the upcoming elections?

I think we do. More than ever.

It’s just… we show it differently. Maybe not with loud protests or flashy headlines, but in quiet dinner table conversations, in meme pages, in long Reddit threads, and yes, in how we vote.

We’re waking up. Slowly. Cautiously. Like trying to touch your phone without your boss seeing.

To my local readers: What do you think makes this year’s election different? To my international friends: Did this article change how you view our not-in-China city-state?

Let’s talk in the comments. And if you’re still confused, come visit. I’ll buy you chicken rice and explain everything.

Just don’t ask me where in China we are.

Author’s Note: I’m a freelance web, mobile, and software developer based in Singapore. Been coding since the 90s and arguing about politics with my hawker auntie since last month. Hit me up if you need an app — or a long-winded opinion about Singaporean elections.