Efforts to avoid a multi-cornered contest in Sembawang GRC have collapsed, with both the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and National Solidarity Party (NSP) confirming they will field candidates there in the upcoming general election.
The parties met on April 8 to negotiate a possible compromise. SDP proposed that NSP shift its focus to Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, a constituency NSP has not traditionally contested. But NSP rejected the idea, with its secretary-general Spencer Ng calling the suggestion unacceptable.
“I couldn’t accept this kind of proposal where it goes against our party’s integrity and the value of the work we’ve done,” Mr Ng told reporters during a walkabout in Woodlands Avenue 6 on April 12. He likened the proposed constituency swap to “exchanging of wives”.
Mr Ng, 45, stressed that NSP has served Sembawang GRC since 2011 and remains committed to the residents there. He also ruled out contesting in Holland-Bukit Timah, where opposition party Red Dot United has signalled interest.
Meanwhile, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan, whose usual base of Bukit Batok SMC was absorbed into a new GRC, is eyeing Sembawang West SMC. Both parties were seen at the same coffee shop in Woodlands on April 12 during separate walkabouts, but did not interact.
SDP officially introduced its five-member slate for Sembawang GRC on April 6. The party last contested there in 2011, winning 23.3% of the vote. SDP chairman Paul Tambyah said the party has maintained a presence in Singapore’s north since 2006.
Commenting on the impasse, Mr Ng said: “If you cannot be ready for something as routine as boundary changes, how can you be ready to handle the complex challenges facing Singapore?”
With both parties unwilling to give way, voters in Sembawang GRC and Sembawang West SMC are now set to witness a three-cornered contest when GE2025 is called.
