The various opposition parties put out statements after the Writ of Election was issued on April 15. - ST FILE
SINGAPORE: The various opposition parties will ramp up efforts to win over voters, as some expressed concerns over the short runway to the general election.
Parliament was dissolved on April 15, with Nomination Day on April 23. Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3 to elect 97 MPs across 33 constituencies.
The various opposition parties put out statements after the Writ of Election was issued.
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)
The SDP criticised the “impossibly short” timeline between the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report for the 2025 General Election and the dissolution of Parliament.
The report on the new electoral boundaries was released on March 11, 35 days before Parliament was dissolved.
In 2020, the EBRC report was published on March 13 that year with the Writ issued three months later on June 23.
In 2015, there was a month’s gap between the release of the report and the issuance of the Writ.
SDP, which plans to contest Sembawang GRC, Sembawang West SMC, Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC and Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, said Singaporeans need the time to thoroughly examine issues like the cost of living before casting their votes.
“Elections are solemn exercises where the people are given ample time to become thoroughly familiar with the parties, their platforms and candidates so that they can make informed decisions at the polls,” the statement said.
However, with the short amount of time left, Singaporeans have been denied “this crucial opportunity”, the party said.
Red Dot United (RDU)
Ravi Philemon, secretary-general of the RDU, said opposition parties now have just over two weeks to organise themselves for “a defining election”.
He also questioned why Nomination Day was taking place on April 23. Having it on April 22 instead would allow Cooling-off Day to be on May 1 – Labour Day – and Polling Day on May 2.
“Instead, this election has been timed so that Labour Day will be followed immediately by Cooling-off Day – a day when all political parties are legally barred from speaking,” he said.
The opposition parties will not be able to respond to statements put out by the ruling party during the May Day Rally, Philemon said.
He added that RDU has been preparing since 2020 and is ready for the election.
The party’s candidates will be revealed in the lead-up to Nomination Day, he said, adding that RDU will remain focused on championing issues that residents face such as cost of living, jobs and quality of life.
RDU has thus far introduced its team leads for Nee Soon GRC, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and Jurong Central SMC.
People’s Power Party (PPP)
The PPP said it was deeply disappointed that the PAP had called an election “without allowing sufficient time” between the issuance of the Writ of Election and Nomination Day.
It said the timeline appeared to be a move to capitalise on the fear stoked by US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs.
The party said there are urgent national issues demanding attention, such as the rising cost of living, job insecurity, overpopulation, and a persistent lack of effective checks and balances in the system.
Thus far, the PPP has signalled its intentions to contest Tampines GRC and Ang Mo Kio GRC.
Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA)
Desmond Lim, chairman of the SDA, which will contest Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, says his party is ready for the election.
“We are in operational readiness (mode). We’re just like soldiers on reservist,” he said.
His team has already printed 50,000 campaign fliers and 2,000 campaign posters.
The party currently has about 200 volunteers ready to act as polling and counting agents, and held training sessions at its headquarters in Changi Road on the night of April 15.
Lim said that instead of holding a physical rally, which may “inconvenience the elderly”, the party will conduct one online, having started to record the materials this week.
National Solidarity Party (NSP)
Secretary-general Spencer Ng told The Straits Times that the party was unsurprised by the date.
“This is detrimental to the spirit of democracy, but nonetheless, the opposition parties have to play by the rules set by the PAP and be ready as best we can.”
Currently, the party is planning to ramp up its campaign, having filled up its slots for volunteers in the constituencies it has laid claim to.
These comprise Sembawang GRC, Sembawang West SMC, Tampines GRC, Tampines Changkat SMC and possibly Jalan Besar GRC.
Singapore People’s Party (SPP)
SPP said in a statement that the upcoming election represents a pivotal moment in Singapore’s political landscape, being the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the Republic’s fourth-generation leadership team.
“The SPP views this as an opportunity for Singaporeans to voice their concerns, aspirations and frustrations, so as to shape the future direction of our country,” it said.
Secretary-general Steve Chia has called for people to step up as volunteers, urging them to “come together and make a meaningful difference”.
SPP added that it is committed to “participating actively in this democratic process” with five candidates standing in Potong Pasir SMC and Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
“Our focus will be on addressing the pressing concerns of Singaporeans, including the rising cost of living, income inequality, and the need for more inclusive policies that cater to all segments of society,” the party said.
Singapore United Party (SUP)
Andy Zhu, secretary-general of SUP, which is contesting Ang Mo Kio GRC, said the election is an opportunity for residents to shape the future of Singapore.
In the coming days, SUP will be increasing the frequency of its outreach and coordinating its proposers, seconders and assenters.
It is also waiting for the completion and delivery of its election posters and fliers by Nomination Day when it will announce its slate of candidates.
People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR)
Lim Tean, the secretary-general of PAR – an alliance of three parties – said in a Facebook post that it welcomes the calling of the general election.
The alliance is looking to contest the single-seat wards of Potong Pasir, Mountbatten, Radin Mas, Queenstown and Yio Chu Kang, as well as Jalan Besar GRC and Tanjong Pagar GRC.
In a video, he said the PAR has been waiting and preparing for the election for a “very long time”. - The Straits Times/ANN
