SINGAPORE: Four individuals have announced their intention to contest as independent candidates in Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) for Singapore’s upcoming General Election (GE) in 2025, with two of them being well-known TikTok personalities, injecting social media buzz into the political landscape.
However, the path from intention to official candidacy is more complex than merely expressing interest and paying a deposit.
The formal nomination process involves strict legal and procedural requirements, and not all hopefuls will make it through.
These prospective candidates were recently featured in Goody Feed’s The Blue Cats TikTok video.
@goodyfeedbluecatsThese four people, including two TikTokers, want to run as an independent in GE2025. Here’s who they are.♬ original sound – The Blue Cats by Goody Feed
Darryl Lo Kar Keong, Law Graduate
The first prospective candidate is Darryl Lo Kar Keong, a 28-year-old law graduate who has been unemployed since January 2025 to focus on preparing for the election.
Lo announced his intention to contest via Instagram on 16 April 2025.
In an interview with Mothership, Lo expressed his commitment to being a full-time Member of Parliament (MP) if elected, noting that his lack of private sector commitments would allow him to fully focus on the needs of his constituents.
He also highlighted his independence from party lines, stating that unlike the incumbent, he would prioritize residents’ concerns over party interests.
Lo plans to contest in Radin Mas SMC, which he claims “hasn’t had a formidable opposition candidate.”
In GE2020, the seat was secured by the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Melvin Yong with 74.01% of the vote.
Jeremy Tan, The “Bitcoin Candidate”
The second potential independent candidate is Jeremy Tan, known by his moniker “encik bitcoin” due to his distinctive bitcoin-themed logo.
Tan explained his decision to run as an independent candidate by expressing a desire to raise awareness about critical issues such as inflation, global trade dependencies, and the need for Singapore to think independently.
He believes that political parties are not addressing these concerns and aims to encourage people to educate themselves on these important topics.
Tan plans to contest in Mountbatten SMC, which he describes as “the most risk-free” in terms of policy failures.
In GE2020, the seat was secured by PAP’s Lim Biow Chuan, who won with 73.82% of the vote.
However, with Lim retiring from politics in GE2025, PAP will field 46-year-old lawyer Goh Sze Kee as their new candidate in the constituency.
Turritopsis Dohrnii Teo En Ming – Viral TikTok Personality
Another unconventional contender is Turritopsis Dohrnii Teo En Ming, who gained attention on TikTok when a soundbite from one of his videos went viral.
Teo had previously attracted attention in 2023 when he expressed interest in running for the Presidential Election.
Teo recently gained attention again after footage of him collecting his nomination papers and separate footage showing him wearing attire and badges associated with the People’s Alliance for Reform went viral.
The party has since clarified that Teo is neither a member nor a candidate, but merely a volunteer assisting with election efforts.
In a TikTok post, Teo announced his intention to contest Hougang SMC as an independent candidate and shared images of certain completed nomination paperwork.
Kevin Wee – Founder of Radical Kindness
The final name on the list is Kevin Wee, a popular TikTok personality known for his Radical Kindness channel.
In a surprise move, Wee revealed in a video that he is considering a run in Mountbatten SMC, the same constituency targeted by Jeremy Tan.
In his video, Wee called for six residents from the SMC to come forward and support his candidacy, a crucial requirement for independent nominees.
Only Two Have Paid Deposit So Far
As of 21 April 2025, only two individuals — Darryl Lo Kar Keong and Jeremy Tan (Tan Wei Yang, Jeremy) — have paid the required $13,500 deposit and are listed on the official list of prospective candidates.
Teo En Ming and Kevin Wee have not yet been listed.
Not as Simple as Just Paying a Deposit
While paying the deposit may seem like an easy way into the race, the reality is far more complex.
During GE2020, four prospective independent candidates appeared at the nomination centre, but only one successfully qualified.
The process involves more than just meeting eligibility criteria such as being a Singaporean citizen and at least 21 years old.
Candidates must also complete their nomination papers, which must be signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths.
Moreover, independent candidates must secure endorsements from at least six registered voters residing in the constituency.
This requirement has tripped up hopefuls in the past, with some attempting to gather support from strangers at the nomination centre itself.
With just one day to go until Nomination Day, it remains uncertain which of these independent hopefuls will officially enter the race.
The post Four independents declare intention to contest in GE2025 – but will they qualify? appeared first on The Online Citizen.
