SINGAPORE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) secured a stronger mandate in Saturday's general election, winning 65.57 percent of the popular vote, a notable rise from 61.24 percent in 2020, according to official results released early Sunday.

The PAP captured 87 of the 97 elected seats in the parliament and will govern 30 of the city-state's 33 constituencies.

The opposition Workers' Party (WP) retained its 10 seats, holding on to its three constituencies in eastern Singapore. No other opposition party won any seats.

The PAP, the ruling party since Singapore's independence in 1965, was widely expected to win again. Much of the focus was on the margin of victory, following a decline in the PAP's vote share from 69.86 percent in 2015 to its lower share in the previous election.

The election also drew attention as it marked the first time Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the PAP into a general election, following his succession of Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024 after Lee's two-decade tenure.

Analysts say the PAP's performance, including victories in several high-profile races and commanding wins of over 80 percent in some wards, reflects a strong mandate, particularly amid heightened global uncertainty following sweeping U.S. tariffs. Both Wong and Lee had warned that external shocks could have lasting impacts on Singapore's open economy.

Meanwhile, while the WP did not expand its footprint, it is seen to be gaining momentum. The party increased its representation from six seats in 2015 to 10 in 2020. This year, it retained its strongholds in Hougang and Aljunied, and secured 56.31 percent of the vote in Sengkang, up from 52.12 percent in 2020, when it won the constituency in a closely contested race. In several other constituencies it contested, the margin between the WP and the PAP was narrow.

In Saturday's general election, Singapore recorded a turnout of 92.47 percent, with 2,429,281 votes cast, including 42,829 rejected ballots, the Elections Department said in a statement early Sunday. ■