SINGAPORE -The upcoming May 3 election could see multi-cornered fights taking place in at least four constituencies, although several parties have in the past days stepped away from some areas to avoid splitting the opposition vote.
In the lead-up to Nomination Day on April 23, two opposition parties have withdrawn from the newly carved out Jalan Kayu SMC, setting the scene for a straight fight between the PAP and WP.
Red Dot United (RDU) secretary-general Ravi Philemon said on April 22 that the decision was made after talks with the WP, which has also expressed interest in contesting the single-member constituency.
“As part of these conversations, we spoke with the WP leadership. During those exchanges, they expressed interest in contesting in Jalan Kayu. As discussions progressed, it became clear they intended to field a candidate there. They requested Jalan Kayu,” he said.
The People’s Power Party (PPP)said on the same day that it will no longer contest the Jalan Kayu and Tampines Changkat single seats.
PPP secretary-general Goh Meng Sengsaid: “As a party, we also want to give respect to the bigger parties... We have decided that we will actually have to disappoint our candidates, as well as our supporters.”
But the stage is still set for multi-way contests in other constituencies, namely Potong Pasir SMC, Tampines GRC, Sembawang GRC and Ang Mo Kio GRC.
The list of parties contesting in these areas will be confirmed onlycome Nomination Day on April 23, once party candidates successfully submit their nomination papers and other documents at the respective nomination centres.
On April 22, the Singapore People’s Party confirmed its candidate for Potong Pasir SMC, Mr Williiamson Lee, who will be going up against the PAP’s Mr Alex Yeo.
The People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR) also said on April 18 that it would contest Potong Pasir, although it had not revealed its candidate yet.
In Sembawang GRC, another multi-way contest is shaping up, as the National Solidarity Party (NSP) could face off with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and the incumbent PAP team at the polls.
Leading NSP in Sembawang GRC is party secretary-general Spencer Ng, while the SDP slate includes party vice-chairman Bryan Lim Boon Heng and deputy head of policy James Gomez. The PAP team will be led by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
Meanwhile, in Ang Mo Kio GRC, the PPP, led by party treasurer and limousine service provider William Lim, might come up against fellow opposition Singapore United Party as well as the incumbent PAP team helmed by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
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And in Tampines GRC, four parties – PPP, NSP, PAP and WP – are expected to contest there.
On April 20, NSP also announced that it would bow out from Sembawang West and Tampines Changkat SMCs to give way to fellow opposition parties to contest in those constituencies.
The party had initially been heading for a three-cornered fight in Sembawang West SMC with SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan and the ruling PAP. The PAP on April 22 said it would field Ms Poh Li San there.
Over in Tampines Changkat, the PAP’s Mr Desmond Choo will contest, likely against the WP, according to activity on the ground.
Jalan Kayu was initially headed for a multi-cornered fight, with RDU, PAR and PPP originally expressing interest in March.
RDU had gone on its maiden walkabout in Jalan Kayu on March 21 and introduced Madam Kala Manickam, an educator and former Singapore Armed Forces officer, who was meant to lead the team there.
WP, too, had been spotted in the area, going door to door to hand out leaflets, residents told The Straits Times.
But on April 18, PAR pulled out of the Jalan Kayu contest.
The PAP announced a day later that labour chief Ng Chee Meng will contest in Jalan Kayu.
Mr Philemon said: “Jalan Kayu deserves the best possible representation in Parliament... But the more important question is how we ensure Jalan Kayu residents are represented clearly, firmly and honestly – without splitting the vote or weakening the voice of the opposition.”
He said RDU has consistently emphasised that opposition unity is essential, and it has been engaging various political party leaders about the situation in Jalan Kayu.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly. So far, we’ve invested time, effort, and approximately $5,000 in campaign materials and logistics,” Mr Philemon said, adding that stepping back was challenging.
“But ultimately, the greater cost is not to RDU – it’s the question of whether the best interests of citizens will be upheld.”
- Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance.
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