Singapore is bracing for one of its most complex electoral showdowns in recent history as General Election 2025 nears. Multiple constituencies are expected to see three- or even four-cornered contests, largely involving alternative parties with overlapping claims.
While efforts are underway among some parties to reduce competition and avoid splitting the vote, several wards remain flashpoints for contention. The situation could ultimately advantage the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which seeks to maintain its dominant hold on Parliament.
Four-way battle looms in Tampines GRC
Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) stands out as one of the most hotly contested wards. It is expected to witness a four-cornered fight, involving the PAP, Workers’ Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), and the People’s Power Party (PPP).
The WP has cultivated a strong presence in Tampines for years. Party figures including Pritam Singh and Sylvia Lim have regularly appeared at key locations like Tampines Round Market and Tampines East.
The constituency comprises 147,904 registered voters, making it a significant eastern battleground. Recent boundary adjustments have added to the competitiveness of the ward.
PPP and NSP have both declared their intentions to stand in Tampines.
On 20 April, NSP reaffirmed its candidacy despite facing strong online criticism urging it to withdraw in favour of more established alternatives.
On 16 April, PAP unveiled its refreshed slate led by Masagos Zulkifli. The team includes new entrants David Neo, a former Chief of Army, and academic Charlene Chen, alongside incumbents Koh Poh Koon and Baey Yam Keng.
Sembawang GRC sees overlapping claims despite calls for unity
Sembawang GRC is another potential flashpoint, with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), NSP, and PAP all preparing for a three-cornered contest.
On 6 April, SDP announced its candidate slate, including vice-chairman Bryan Lim, treasurer Surayah Akbar, and others. NSP, however, has not backed down, maintaining its intention to contest the GRC.
On 21 April, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung introduced PAP’s team, which includes incumbents Mariam Jaafar and Vikram Nair, as well as newcomers Ng Shi Xuan and Gabriel Lam.
Despite calls for cooperation, NSP’s insistence on standing has drawn public scrutiny and criticism.
Ang Mo Kio, Punggol and Potong Pasir among other contested wards
Ang Mo Kio GRC could witness a three-cornered race. On 18 April, the Singapore United Party (SUP) introduced its five-member team. PPP followed suit on 22 April, declaring its intention to contest, led by treasurer William Lim.
In Punggol GRC, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) has not finalised its stance but has expressed interest.
The newly created GRC incorporates areas from the now-defunct Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, which SDA contested previously.
The WP’s position in Punggol remains unconfirmed, though members such as Sufyan Mikhail Putra Mohd Kamil have been seen walking the ground.
PAP has placed Indranee Rajah at the helm of its four-member team in the newly formed Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, adding a new layer to the reshuffling of candidates and constituencies.
In Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency (SMC), at least three parties may compete. The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) and the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR) have both announced intentions to contest.
Potong Pasir SMC carries deep significance for the SPP. It was the seat held by its former secretary-general Chiam See Tong for 27 years, from 1984 to 2011.
In 2020, SPP’s then-chairman Jose Raymond secured 39.33% of the vote, losing narrowly to PAP incumbent Sitoh Yih Pin.
Sitoh is stepping down this election, with PAP fielding lawyer Alex Yeo in his place.
Avoiding multi-cornered fights: strategic withdrawals emerge
Amid concerns that multi-cornered contests may split the alternative vote, several parties have made strategic withdrawals.
On 22 April, the Red Dot United (RDU) and NSP agreed to give way to SDP in Jalan Kayu SMC and Sembawang West respectively.
A day earlier, independent hopeful Is’haq Rajoo Jay announced he would not contest Queenstown SMC, citing concerns that a three-cornered fight would undermine voter interests and favour the PAP.
PPP’s decision to pull out from Nee Soon GRC in favour of RDU is another example of behind-the-scenes coordination to reduce electoral overlap.
On 19 April, SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan indicated that SDP would likely not stand in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, despite having contested there since 2006. This move is seen as a gesture to allow RDU a direct contest with the PAP.
PAP yet to confirm candidates in several wards
As of 4pm on 22 April, PAP has not confirmed its candidates in two SMCs—Queenstown and Radin Mas—as well as in three GRCs: Punggol, East Coast, and Tanjong Pagar.
One of the most closely watched developments is whether Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will remain in East Coast GRC, shift to another constituency, or retire altogether.
Notably, a review of the list of prospective candidates who have submitted their election deposits to the Elections Department (ELD) for GE2025 shows that Heng is among them.
Similarly, the identity of the anchor candidate for the newly established Punggol GRC remains uncertain. Given its strategic significance and the potential for a WP contest, the PAP’s decision is likely to be critical.
Tanjong Pagar GRC’s slate is also unconfirmed, especially after Indranee Rajah’s move to Pasir Ris-Changi.
Previously anchored by Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, the PAP’s line-up in this historic ward remains to be seen.
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