-3.png?width=50&name=Square%20(2)-3.png)
Nomination Day for Singapore’s General Election (GE) 2025 unfolded on 23 April 2025, setting the stage for a highly anticipated electoral battle.
With candidates from various political parties filing their nomination papers across designated centers, the day was marked by strategic lineup announcements, surprising developments, and intense anticipation.
Expect a comprehensive recap of the key events, candidate line-ups, and unexpected twists that defined Nomination Day, offering readers an insider’s view of the unfolding electoral landscape.
Key Highlights: What Happened on Nomination Day?
The Countdown Begins
- 11:00 am: Supporters and candidates began streaming into nomination centers amid thundery showers. Election officials and volunteers ensured smooth operations as noticeboards were set up to display nominations.
- Social Media Buzz: Live coverage on platforms like YouTube and Facebook kept the public engaged, with updates pouring in from all corners of the island.
Major Announcements and Surprises
- DPM Gan Kim Yong Anchors Punggol GRC: In a surprising move, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong led the PAP’s Punggol GRC team, replacing expectations that he might contest Chua Chu Kang GRC. This shift signaled the party’s focus on defending newer estates like Punggol.
- Tan See Leng Moves to Chua Chu Kang: Manpower Minister Tan See Leng transitioned from Marine Parade–Braddell Heights to helm the PAP’s Chua Chu Kang GRC slate, filling the void left by Gan Kim Yong.
- Marine Parade–Braddell Heights Likely Walkover: The absence of Workers’ Party (WP) candidates in this GRC suggests a potential walkover, reinforcing the PAP’s stronghold in mature estates.
Star Contests and Face-offs
- Punggol GRC Showdown: WP fielded its “star catch,” Harpreet Singh, alongside Jackson Au, Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar, and Alexis Dang, to challenge the PAP’s formidable lineup of Gan Kim Yong, Janil Puthucheary, Sun Xueling, and Yeo Wan Ling.
- Jalan Kayu SMC Battle: WP’s Andre Low, a fintech professional, is set to face off against PAP heavyweight Ng Chee Meng, adding intrigue to this Single Member Constituency (SMC).
Candidate Line-Ups: Who’s Contesting Where?
1. Workers’ Party (WP)
- Aljunied GRC: The incumbent WP team, featuring Pritam Singh, Sylvia Lim, Gerald Giam, Fadli Fawzi, and Kenneth Tiong, aims to defend its stronghold.
- East Coast GRC: WP’s East Coast slate includes Nathaniel Koh, Yee Jenn Jong, Paris V Parameswari, Sufyan Mikhail Putra, and Jasper Kuan, signaling a strong challenge to the PAP’s Edwin Tongled team.
- Tampines GRC: WP fields veteran Faisal Manap alongside Michael Thng, Eileen Chong, Ong Lue Ping, and Jimmy Tan, aiming to unseat the PAP in this competitive GRC.
2. People’s Action Party (PAP)
- Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong leads the charge alongside Zaqy Mohamad, Alex Yam, and Hany Soh, facing SDP’s Jufri Salim, Arrifin Sha, Alec Tok, and Gigene Wong.
- West Coast–Jurong West GRC: Desmond Lee heads the PAP’s team against PSP’s experienced lineup, including Tan Cheng Bock, Leong Mun Wai, and Hazel Poa.
- Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC: The PAP’s Chee Hong Tat, Saktiandi Supaat, Elysa Chen, and Cai Yinzhou take on SPP’s Steve Chia, Melvyn Chiu, Muhammad Norhakim, and Lim Rui Xian.
3. Other Parties
- Red Dot United: The party announced its Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC slate, featuring Osman Sulaiman, Liyana Dhamirah, Benjamin Phuah, Marcus Neo, and Harish Mohanadas, aiming to make waves in this traditionally PAP-dominated area.
- Singapore Democratic Party (SDP): SDP’s Paul Tambyah will contest Bukit Panjang SMC against PAP’s Liang Eng Hwa, while Chee Soon Juan faces Poh Li San in Sembawang West SMC.
Three-Cornered Fights and Walkovers
1. Radin Mas SMC
- A three-cornered fight emerged in Radin Mas SMC, with Melvin Yong (PAP), Kumar Appavoo (PAR), and independent candidate Darryl Lo vying for votes.
2. Walkovers
- Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC: No opposition candidates filed nominations, suggesting a likely walkover for the PAP’s Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Seah Kian Peng, Tin Pei Ling, and Diana Pang.
Quick Takeaways: Five Surprising Developments
- DPM Gan Kim Yong Anchors Punggol GRC: A strategic move to defend a key battleground.
- Tan See Leng Moves to Chua Chu Kang GRC: Reinforces the PAP’s focus on securing newer estates.
- WP Skips Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC: Likely due to boundary changes and resource allocation.
- Faisal Manap Returns to Tampines GRC: Bolsters WP’s chances in this competitive constituency.
- SM Teo Chee Hean and DPM Heng Swee Keat Sit Out: Indicates generational leadership transitions within the PAP.
Post-Nomination Speeches: What’s Next?
At 12:30 pm, after all nomination papers were submitted, candidates delivered brief speeches to supporters. These addresses provided glimpses into campaign themes and strategies:
- PAP: Emphasised continuity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.
- WP: Highlighted accountability, affordability, and constructive opposition.
- Smaller Parties: Focused on niche issues like cost of living, governance reforms, and minority representation.
Setting the Stage for GE2025
Nomination Day for GE2025 revealed the contours of a fiercely contested election, with established parties like the PAP and WP squaring off alongside smaller players like Red Dot United and SDP.
Strategic shifts, star candidates, and three-cornered fights have added layers of complexity to the electoral map.
As campaigning begins, voters can expect robust debates on pressing issues like cost of living, healthcare, and housing. Stay tuned for more updates as Singapore gears up for Polling Day on 3 May 2025.
Read about the manifesto comparison for a better view of each party's focus.
Read more on these party policies breakdown on:
Let us know what you think about this topic, and what do you want to hear next.
You can now be our community contributor and make a pitch to have your favourite personality be on our show.
Join our community group and drop us your insights on this topic.
Let us know what you think of this post