The Workers’ Party (WP) has indicated that more three-cornered fights are likely in the coming general election.
WP chief Pritam Singh stated that the party has no interest in stepping aside to avoid electoral clashes with other alternative parties.
Speaking at a press conference on 19 April 2025, Singh confirmed the WP does not participate in coordination talks to prevent multi-cornered contests.
“It’s an open system, and you can certainly expect there to be more three-cornered fights from here on,” he said.
The comments came as the WP unveiled its third batch of candidates at its Geylang headquarters.
The party has yet to confirm its full list of constituencies, but has been active in areas traditionally held by the People’s Action Party (PAP), such as East Coast and Tampines GRCs.
Tampines likely to see four-cornered contest
Tampines GRC may witness a four-cornered battle.
Besides the PAP and WP, the People’s Power Party (PPP) and the National Solidarity Party (NSP) have indicated their intent to contest the constituency.
On 20 April, the NSP confirmed it would stand in both Sembawang and Tampines GRCs, despite public criticism and calls for it to defer to more prominent alternative parties.
The PAP’s Tampines team is led by Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. The potential for a crowded field raises the stakes for all competing parties.
Sengkang GRC to see rematch with new faces
Singh addressed questions about WP’s prospects in Sengkang GRC, which the party narrowly won in 2020 with 52.12 per cent of the vote.
The PAP team then was led by former minister Ng Chee Meng, who will now stand in Jalan Kayu SMC.
Singh acknowledged that Sengkang would be “a very difficult fight”. He urged residents to support a more balanced political system through their vote.
The WP will again field He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, Jamus Lim, and newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik. The PAP has refreshed its line-up, retaining only Dr Lam Pin Min from its previous team.
Youth a core focus of WP’s candidate slate
Singh noted that many of the WP’s 11 new candidates introduced over the past three days are in their 30s.
He cited this as a reflection of the party’s evolution and its commitment to staying relevant to younger voters.
Recalling a conversation with former WP chief Low Thia Khiang, Singh said Low had once remarked on stepping down due to being out of touch with the younger generation.
“It is important for us to always look to bring in people who can carry the dreams, aspirations, and hopes and fears of their generation,” Singh said.
Party chair Sylvia Lim, 60, echoed this sentiment.
Reflecting on her own political beginnings as a lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic in 2006, she noted that it was becoming more common for professionals to consider entering politics under alternative parties.
WP tight-lipped on full slate amid strategic caution
In a separate media session on 20 April, Singh reiterated that the WP’s decision not to reveal its complete slate was deliberate and strategic.
“We are price-takers, not price-setters,” he said, referring to how electoral boundaries and contest dynamics are shaped externally.
He emphasised that voters should understand the rationale behind WP’s caution, saying the party must weigh its best chances of success.
“It is a difficult decision to make,” Singh said.
Asked whether such secrecy might affect voters’ ability to evaluate candidates, Singh responded that voters generally focus on the party’s values and its commitment to service.
“Certainly, the PAP are keeping their cards close to their chest, and so are we,” he added.
Speculation over WP’s plans in key constituencies
The WP has introduced 14 new faces to date, but has confirmed only two placements: Kenneth Tiong in Aljunied GRC and Abdul Muhaimin in Sengkang GRC.
Questions remain over whether deputy organising secretaries Kenneth Foo and Ang Boon Yaw will stand in East Coast GRC, where they were seen walking the ground over the Good Friday weekend. Singh declined to provide clarity.
He also withheld details on whether Paris V. Parameswari, a former US Navy security administrator, would stand in Punggol GRC, which has a minority candidate requirement.
Singh indicated that while no more candidate introductions are planned, it is still possible that new names could be added by Nomination Day on 23 April. He cited the importance of preparing reserve candidates in case of unforeseen issues.
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