Independent GE candidates Jeremy Tan & Darryl Lo throw their hats in the ring for Nominated MP role

Jeremy Tan and Darryl Lo, who ran as independent candidates in the 2025 General Election, are planning a second attempt at entering Parliament.

Both confirmed with Mothership that they intend to run for Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP), six months after the election.

NMPs are not affiliated with any political party and do not represent any electoral constituency.

Introduced in 1990, the NMP scheme is meant to provide alternative, nonpartisan views in the House. Up to nine NMPs can be appointed in each Parliament.

Nominations submitted

Lo, 28, who campaigned for Radin Mas SMC in GE2025, said he submitted his nomination ahead of the Nov. 6 deadline.

He lost to the People's Action Party's (PAP) Melvin Yong in a three-way fight during the May 3 elections, earning 23.47 per cent of the vote.

While Tan, 34, confirmed that he intends to submit his nomination some time within the next week before the deadline.

He had run in Mountbatten SMC. While he lost to the PAP's Gho Sze Kee, he won the highest percentage of votes of any independent candidate in the last 53 years with 36.16 per cent.

Their motivations

Speaking to Mothership, both candidates explained why they hope to enter Parliament.

Lo said his motivation lies in being a representative for youths in Singapore, as well as being able to "speak up on things we find unfair".

More broadly, he wants to help Parliament "better reflect the diversity of views and lived realities among Singaporeans", he said.

There is value, he added, in having an NMP who has taken part in elections independently, who is not affiliated with any political party — but with the valuable experience engaging with Singaporeans on the ground.

His nomination was seconded and assented by youths from various backgrounds.

Tan said that he had considered the role of NMP even before GE2025, but it was "not easy to prepare for it" beforehand due to the lack of publicly-available knowledge about the decision-making body.

"I think there are many Singaporeans that fit the role," he said.

Like MPs and NCMPs, he believes that serving in Parliament as an NMP means "to robustly debate [legislation] and be present for Singaporeans".

"All MPs are there to check blind spots, while the government paves the way forward," he added.

Nomination for NMP

Nominations for the NMP scheme opened to the public on Oct. 8 and will close on Nov. 6.

According to the parliament website, candidates must be:

• A Singapore citizen,
• At least 21 years old,
• Currently on a register of electors,
• A Singapore resident for at least 10 years,
• Proficient in at least one of the four national languages,
• Not disqualified from being a Member of Parliament.

They should also have rendered distinguished public service, brought "honour to the Republic", or have distinguished themselves in various fields such as arts, sports, business, and community service.

An eight-member Special Select Committee chaired by Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng will oversee the nominations.

Successful nominees are appointed by the President of Singapore for a term of two and a half years.

Like NCMPs, they participate in debates and votes in parliament, except for moves to amend the constitution, motions relating to public funds, votes of no confidence in the government, and removing the President from office.

Top images via Jeremy Tan/Facebook & Darryl Lo/Facebook