Politics & Government Guide in Singapore

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Singapore operates as a parliamentary republic with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as head of state and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong leading the government since 2024. The unicameral Parliament is dominated by the People's Action Party, maintaining political stability. Recent legislative amendments focus on public sector governance and economic resilience.

Government Type

Parliamentary republic

Legal System

Common law system based on English common law

Head of State

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam(since 2023)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong(People's Action Party)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:Parliament (103 seats)

Major Political Parties

People's Action Party(PAP)

Centre-right

83 seats

Workers' Party(WP)

Centre-left

10 seats

Voting Rights

Singapore citizens aged 21 and above who are ordinarily resident in Singapore. Permanent residents and foreigners cannot vote.

Recent Developments

Parliament passed the Public Sector (Governance) (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 12 January 2026 to expand public sector data sharing
Government announced programmes in 2026 Budget to support workers and firms amid global uncertainties
Leadership transition to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in May 2024 following general election

Voting Age21

SuffrageUniversal for citizens

Constitution1965

Planning Areas55