SINGAPORE: The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency (SMC) and Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming General Election (GE).
This follows the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report on 11 March.
SPP, which contested these constituencies in GE2020, stated that it needed time to review the EBRC report. But the party affirmed it was prepared to stand in both constituencies, which have been closely linked to its political history.
The party has contested Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC since 2011.
Potong Pasir SMC, however, holds deeper significance for SPP, as it was represented by its former secretary-general, Chiam See Tong, from 1984 to 2011.
Chiam first won the seat under the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) before forming SPP in 1997 and representing it under the new banner. He stepped down from party leadership in 2019.
On 12 March, SPP shared a Facebook post from its vice-chairman, Lina Chiam, who is also Chiam’s wife.
The post marked Chiam’s 90th birthday, celebrating his contributions to Singaporean politics and his lasting impact as a public servant.
SPP reiterated its commitment to honouring Chiam’s legacy by working to win over residents in both constituencies.
Changes to Potong Pasir SMC
According to the EBRC report, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC remains unchanged, with 98,505 voters as of 1 February 2025.
However, adjustments were made to Potong Pasir SMC.
Due to new Housing Development Board (HDB) developments in Bidadari, Potong Pasir’s population has grown.
As a result, EBRC recommended moving some polling districts from Potong Pasir SMC to Marine Parade GRC, which has been renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.
Before the change, Potong Pasir had 32,304 voters.
With approximately 1,407 voters transferred to the newly named five-member Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, the SMC now has 30,897 voters.
Past Election Performance
In GE2020, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) won Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC with 67.26 percent of the vote.
The PAP team consisted of then-Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, Chong Kee Hiong, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, and Saktiandi bin Supaat.
SPP’s team, led by Secretary-General Steve Chia alongside Williamson Lee, Osman Sulaiman, and Melvyn Chiu, secured 32.74 percent. PAP received 62,853 votes, while SPP garnered 30,594 votes.
In Potong Pasir SMC, PAP’s Sitoh Yih Pin defended his seat with 60.69 percent, defeating SPP’s Jose Raymond, who received 39.31 percent. Sitoh secured 11,232 votes, while Raymond obtained 7,275.
RDU, NSP, SPP and SUP forge informal coalition for stronger representation
SPP is also part of an informal partnership with three other alternative parties: the National Solidarity Party (NSP), the Singapore United Party (SUP), and Red Dot United (RDU).
On 29 October 2023, the four parties announced their alliance under a non-formal partnership, “The Coalition,” built on the principles of support, respect, and synergy.
Their joint approach includes key strategies such as collaborative campaigning, strategic electoral positioning to avoid multi-cornered fights, and unified efforts in developing a manifesto and selecting candidates.
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