American Marconi Wireless News - PM faces first test as Singapore election campaign kicks off

The May 3 polls are also coming as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs.

Along with supporters, potential candidates gathered at nine nomination centres across the island to submit their documents to stand in the election.

Wong -- who took over in 2024 after succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew -- said "there is much at stake this election".

"We are in a changed world with turbulence all around," he said. "Your vote will determine your future and your children's future."

For more than half a century, Singapore has been dominated by the People's Action Party (PAP), which is expected to remain in power.

But opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity.

The main opposition Workers' Party (WP) has put up a list of charismatic candidates for the polls, ranging from a former diplomat to an ex-lawyer in the central bank.

Harpreet Singh Nehal, 59, a senior counsel, has garnered much attention from media with observers saying he is a star catch for the party.

Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh urged voters to "keep up the momentum" in their support.

"Let's have a more balanced parliament with more voices and credible choices," he said.

D.Sawyer--AMWN