Singaporeans cast their votes Saturday in an election where Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faces his first major test against a rejuvenated opposition in uncertain economic times for the trade-centred nation.

Wong's ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which has steered the island to prosperity while using an iron hand to suppress dissent, is expected to easily retain a clear majority in parliament.

Wong, wearing all white -- the PAP's colour -- arrived at a voting centre around noon, accompanied by his wife.

After casting his ballot, he left without speaking to reporters.

Popular after leading Singapore's Covid task force, Wong took over last year from his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew who ruled the island state after its bitter break-up with Malaysia in 1965.

Wong has repeatedly said he needed a strong mandate to navigate heavily trade-reliant Singapore through economic uncertainty in light of tariffs levied by US President Donald Trump.

He has warned Singapore would be hit hard if Trump went ahead with the tariffs he announced and then paused for most........

© International Business Times