S'pore opposition parties respond to Writ of Election, gear up for GE2025

With the official dissolution of Parliament, the opposition parties have released their responses to the announcement of the Writ of Election.

Workers' Party (WP)

WP released its 2025 general election video after the Writ of Election was issued on April 15.

The WP video asked voters to step up together with the party and introduced its GE2025 campaign slogan, "Working for Singapore".

WP also noted that while its party slogan has changed over the years, its mission remains the same.

"The Workers’ Party prides ourselves on contributing to unity in diversity. Our voices aim to represent the diverse Singaporean population, while working towards a First World Parliament."

"But the work is not done. We cannot stop here. We will continue to work for Singapore, and we hope you will step up and do so too," the party added.

In the video, the various WP MPs spoke about different issues.

Singh called Singaporeans the “true agents of change”: “The Workers’ Party is just the platform to bring their voices into Parliament, and the true people who have power are the voters. And they control the future.”

Progress Singapore Party (PSP)

PSP shared that it has "fought hard for Singaporeans" and are "ready to be judged by voters on our Parliamentary record."

Over five years in Parliament, the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMPs) Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai were responsible for:

• over 700 parliamentary questions
• eight private member's motions
• six adjournment motions
• two parliamentary petitions
• one private member's bill
• made more than 30 speeches on proposed legislation

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)

SDP called the announcement a "smash-and-grab tactic to secure another term".

SDP also accused the People's Action Party of "hobbling the opposition's efforts" due to the "impossibly short" period between announcing the new electoral boundaries and dissolving Parliament.

"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," said SDP.

It added that it is therefore "essential" for the electorate to send an unambiguous message to the PAP that it needs to "do better" and not resort to hinder the opposition's effort.

Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA)

SDA's chairman Desmond Lim said it was time for change.

In a media statement, he spoke of the pain of "poor policies" over the past 10 years, including home prices and not taking on "greedy landlords."

"If ever there was a time to stand up for Singapore, that time is now... Singapore is counting on you to make change happen," he said.

Red Dot United (RDU)

RDU also commented on the timeline, calling it "unfair" and "strategically engineered to benefit the ruling party."

A statement from party Secretary-General Ravi Philemon mentioned that Labour Day (May 1) will be followed immediately by Cooling-off Day (2 May), when political parties are subject to restrictions.

However, Philemon expects media coverage of the NTUC May Day Rally, an event he feels is "deeply associated with the ruling party." Philemon added that any “goodies” or promises announced at the rally such as wage enhancements or benefits will dominate headlines on Cooling-off Day.

"Opposition parties will be unable to respond, fact-check, or present alternative views. It is, by design, a one-sided broadcast. This is not just unfair — it reflects a ruling party that is not confident in itself. One that is so jittery, it feels the need to tilt every last advantage in its favour."

Despite this Philemon said that RDU is ready for this election, having been preparing since 2020. The party has assigned all its candidates to the constituencies, and their identities will be revealed in the lead-up to Nomination Day.

"We call on voters to reflect deeply on what is at stake, and to stand with us. Because this election is not just about the next five years — it is about the kind of country we want to become."

Singapore People's Party (SPP)

SPP said this upcoming general election represents "a pivotal moment" in Singapore as it is the first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the 4G leadership.

In their statement to the media, SPP views the election as "an opportunity for Singaporeans to voice their concerns, aspirations and frustrations" and 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," SPP said.

The party added that it hopes the Election Department would allow for a longer campaign period of more than 10 days.

People's Alliance for Reform (PAR)

PAR welcomes the news of the dissolution of Parliament, said coalition chairman Lim Tean.

Sharing a video of himself on Facebook, Lim said it was time for Singaporeans to head to the polls to "reject the government that has caused them so much misery and suffering."

He added that May. 3 will "go down in glory in Singapore's history."

People's Power Party (PPP)

PPP also expressed disappointment that PAP called for the election "without allow sufficient time" between the Writ of Election and Nomination Day.

"This rushed timeline appears to be a calculated move by the ruling party to capitalise on the fear it has deliberately stoked over US President Donald Trump's so-called "reciprocal" tariffs," it added.

PPP urged voters not to be swayed by "the politics of fear".

"People's Power Party (PPP) will not be deterred by such opportunistic political tactics. We remain committed to tackling these challenges head-on and to restoring the values that make Singapore Our Home Again."

Parliament dissolved

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved Parliament today (Apr. 15), setting the stage for the 2025 General Election.

Nomination Day will take place on Apr. 23, 2025.

After nine days of campaigning, May. 2 will be the Cooling-Off Day.

Singapore will go to the polls on Saturday, May 3.

Top photos via Facebook, party websites & Joshua Lee/Mothership