SPP confirms it'll contest Bishan-Toa Payoh & Potong Pasir, doesn't expect multi-cornered fight

The Singapore People's Party (SPP) will contest in two constituencies this General Election: Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, and Potong Pasir SMC.

These are the same constituencies that it contested in in the last General Election in 2020.

Speaking to the media at a Mar. 29 walkabout, secretary-general Steve Chia said that the party has confirmed its slate of candidates.

This includes a member of the minority race for the GRC contest — a Malay candidate — although Chia declined to share more details until Nomination Day.

He did clarify however that himself, party chairman Melvyn Chiu, and treasurer Williamson Lee will all be standing in the election.

No three-cornered fights

Chia, a former Non-Constituency MP (NCMP), added that the party does not expect a three-cornered fight, even in Potong Pasir SMC.

SMCs are historically favoured contest grounds for opposition parties.

While Chia acknowledged that the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) has expressed interest in Potong Pasir, "we are in discussion with them to avoid a three-cornered fight".

"Things are being worked out. Hopefully by Nomination Day, everything will be clear, that there'll be no three-cornered fight," he said.

SPP is part of a non-formal coalition, which also includes the National Solidarity Party, Red Dot United, and the Singapore United Party.

The agreement was to avoid multi-cornered fights.

Background info

The party has history in both constituencies, with its former secretary-general Chiam See Tong having served as MP for Potong Pasir from 1984 to 2011.

In 2011, Chiam left his Potong Pasir seat to contest in Bishan-Toa Payoh, but lost to the ruling People's Action Party.

The party also lost its Potong Pasir seat, which was retaken by the PAP for the first time since 1984.

It has remained as such since.

"So we are working hard...and we hope to win back the hearts of the people in these two constituencies, and hopefully win back a seat in Parliament," Chia said.

He added that in the coming month, the party intends to do a lot of ground work, meeting residents and sharing with them the party's manifesto.

During the walkabout, Chia was seen handing out flyers to residents.

"You know election is coming right? Most likely it'll be in May," he told one family.

The official date for Polling Day has not yet been announced.

Top image by Keyla Supharta/Mothership