Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh has warned that «nothing can be taken for granted» when it comes to his party's presence in Parliament. In a pre-recorded broadcast aired on Friday (April 25), Singh said that «one or even two» constituencies currently held by the WP «can easily be lost» in this General Election. He was referring to the 10 seats that the party won in GE2020, including Aljunied and Sengkang GRCs, as well as its long-held stronghold of Hougang SMC. With that, Singh, 48, said that it is «important for Singapore's democracy» for the WP to win more constituencies. «With more WP constituencies comes a higher chance that Parliament will continue to have a fully-elected democratic opposition presence for the longer term,» he said. «This will make our system stable and sustainable for the future.» WP is contesting 26 out of 97 seats across five GRCs including five GRCs — Aljunied, Sengkang, East Coast, Punggol and Tampines — and the single seats of Hougang, Tampines Changkat and Jalan Kayu.

Nine rallies are scheduled to take place on Saturday (April 26). The parties involved are the People's Power Party (PPP), Progress Singapore Party (PSP), People's Action Party (PAP), People's Alliance for Reform (PAR), Workers' Party (WP), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and Red Dot United (RDU). The rallies are scheduled to begin at 7pm and end at 10pm. The PAP will hold three rallies: one for Chua Chu Kang GRC at the Hard Court along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, another for East Coast GRC at Bedok Stadium, and one for Punggol GRC at Yusof Ishak Secondary School. PSP's rally for Bukit Gombak SMC will be held at Bukit Gombak Stadium, while SDP will hold its rally for Sembawang West SMC at Evergreen Primary School. PPP will stage its rally for Ang Mo Kio GRC at Yio Chu Kang Stadium and RDU will hold theirs for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC at Bukit View Secondary School. Last, WP will hold its rally for Tampines GRC at Temasek Junior College. Police advisory Police said rally attendees are encouraged to take public transport as large crowds are expected at the rallies.

Vote for candidates who are of «good character», Prime Minister Lawrence Wong urged in his address to voters during the People's Action Party (PAP)'s first party political broadcast since the start of the hustings. During the broadcast on Friday (April 25), PM Wong, who is also the PAP's secretary-general, said that voters should «vote for the candidates who will put Singapore and Singaporeans ahead of everything else». «Above all, choose leaders who are upright, honest and of good character. Because in the end, more than policies, more than promises, it is character that counts,» he stated. Should the PAP win the mandate, PM Wong said, his priority lies in working with his team to unite Singaporeans, protecting livelihoods and securing the future. He explained that this would be the PAP's «collective new resolve», stating: «Every member of my team knows the weight of this responsibility. This is our promise, and our commitment, to you.»

Chia Yun Kai, the newest member of Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), is confident about his team's chances of winning the four-member Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, after getting positive feedback from residents. Chia, 32, started his one-man Most Valuable Party to contest East Coast GRC, but moved to SDA on Nomination Day (April 23). The restaurant owner told AsiaOne that he made the switch because he had «aligned values» with SDA.  He will be part of the team led by SDA chairman Desmond Lim, 58, secretary-general Abu Mohamed, 74, and communications lead Harminder Pal Singh, 53.  «The residents were quite welcoming towards us and voiced out their concerns,» said Chia during a walkabout at 443 Pasir Ris Drive 6 on Friday (April 25).  "They're also very excited to see a young face coming out to do politics, which is not common. They think we have a good chance of winning.

We’re just a few days into General Election 2025 and some candidates have already gifted us a number of memorable moments that made us laugh or blink in disbelief.  It’s going to be a light one so sit back, relax, and relive six moments in political theatre that are (unintentionally or not) hard to forget. ‘Look left, look right’  https://www.tiktok.com/@theverybigtheverybang/video/7496717391263452434?refer=embed “I look left, look right. Look left, look right for a career path. Is this request considered too high?”  

Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean unexpectedly dropped by Bedok 538 Market and Food Centre today (April 25) to greet residents alongside the People's Action Party (PAP) team contesting in Aljunied GRC for the upcoming election. While all eyes were on the 70-year-old who announced his retirement from politics on April 23, one of the PAP candidates sparked curiosity among the elderly at the food centre - newcomer Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz who bears a striking resemblance to Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh. «Pritam ah?» some senior citizens were heard asking Teo when he introduced newcomer Dr Faisal to them. Teo quipped: «A fresher Pritam Singh».

A speech by The Workers' Party (WP) new face Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar has resulted in online discourse regarding candidates speaking on global issues at election rallies. At the party's first rally for General Election (GE) 2025 on April 25, the 43-year-old lawyer said that while Singaporeans meet their MPs to discuss «bread and butter issues», they would also like to «discuss the effects of certain laws or the government's positions on certain global issues». «The concern for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine crosses the boundaries of race and religion. It is something that many Singaporeans, regardless of their ethnicity and beliefs, have expressed concern about,» she said. Clips of Siti Alia making these statements were stitched together and shared on Reddit with the title «WP's Siti Alia declares Palestine is important global issue, more important than bread and butter Punggol issues?» This prompted a heated debate among netizens, some of whom criticised her for mentioning the topic during a GE rally.

National Development Minister Desmond Lee has refuted proposals set forward by several opposition parties to lower the GST rate and provide exemptions on basic necessities, saying that GST needs to remain a progressive tax. Other examples of progressive taxes include income tax and stamp duty. Speaking at a doorstop interview at the People's Action Party (PAP) Boon Lay branch on Friday (April 25), Lee fielded a question regarding cost-of-living concerns and recent criticisms from opposition parties. Lee is anchoring the PAP team contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and they're up against a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) team helmed by chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock.  At their first rally on Thursday (April 24), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) party chief Chee Soon Juan criticised the Government's practice of handing out cost-of-living vouchers while simultaneously raising the GST rate, likening it to «an arsonist setting your house on fire and giving you a cup of water to put it out».

Many of us are familiar with the symbols of Singapore's political parties— such as the lightning bolt for the People's Action Party (PAP), hammer for The Workers' Party (WP) and so on.  But come Polling Day on May 3, some of you — more specifically those voting under Radin Mas SMC and Mountbatten SMC —  might see something a little different on your ballot papers. The Elections Department (ELD) released notices of contested election for the two divisions this morning (April 25), and in addition to the more well-known logos of PAP and the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR), the notices include new symbols that represent the two individual candidates running for their respective SMCs.  Independent candidates Darryl Lo for Radin Mas SMC and Jeremy Tan for Mountbatten SMC have selected a duck and a dog as their respective symbols.

Singaporeans cannot be passive citizens and must be active participants in the country's democracy, said Workers' Party secretary-general Pritam Singh on Thursday (April 24) at his first rally in this General Election. The 48-year-old took the boisterous crowd at a field along Anchorvale Crescent on a trip down memory lane — by using the «fighters» of Hougang as an example to make his point. «They did not become fighters by choice,» said Singh about the constituency that has been held by Singapore's largest opposition party since 1991. «They had the iron in their spine to vote for the Workers' Party.» «They cast for a vote in favour for a more balanced political system when Parliament was practically all white. And then what happened? The PAP took away their wet market, their bus routes… put them last in the queue for lift upgrading. »The PAP even dangled upgrading carrots worth millions of dollars in front of them… But they have shown even more iron and continued to vote for the Workers' Party.

Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock and secretary-general Leong Mun Wai criticised the People's Action Party (PAP), saying that it has «lost its way». They were speaking at a PSP rally held at Catholic High School on Thursday (April 24). Addressing the crowd, which consisted of residents of Marymount and Kebun Baru SMCs as well as party supporters, Leong said: «I'd like to tell you what I've learned from my...almost five years in Parliament. »My time in Parliament has convinced me that the 4G PAP has really lost its way. The more I debate the Government...the more I realise that it is not the 'Grade A' government that we used to know."

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) took aim at how the government manages cost of living, especially with regards to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), in its first rally of the 2025 general election. Party chief Chee Soon Juan, chairman Paul Tambyah and other members spoke on stage at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Thursday (April 24) evening. Dr Chee took issue with the practice of handing out cost-of-living vouchers while simultaneously raising the GST rate. He likened the situation to «an arsonist setting your house on fire and giving you a cup of water to put it out». He also questioned PM Lawrence Wong's attribution of the hike to «global trends». Dr Chee listed the essentials that he said have gone up in price, such as water, transport, petrol, electricity, Electronic Road Pricing charges and university hostel fees. He then compared the rising costs to how the People's Action Party government spends money, arguing that the ruling party is no longer as «prudent and frugal» as it once was.

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) will be the only party holding a political rally tomorrow (April 25), on the first night of Party Political Broadcasts (PPB). The rally will be held from 7pm to 10pm at Beacon Primary School for the electoral division of Bukit Panjang SMC.  SDP's Prof Paul Tambyah will again face off against the People's Action Party's Liang Eng Hwa in the upcoming polls. AsiaOne will livestream the rally on Facebook and YouTube. There were a total of five rallies today. PPB will be on free-to-air television and radio for the eight parties with at least six candidates to share their campaign messages. The English broadcast will be available on Mediacorp Channel 5 at 8pm and on CNA at 9pm. The second round of PPB will take place on May 1.

Voters should not let the opposition have a «free pass», Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his first rally speech on Thursday (April 24) for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at Woodlands Stadium. PM Wong, who is also secretary-general for the People's Action Party (PAP), addressed the opposition's call for voters not to hand the PAP a «blank cheque», countering with a caution of his own. «Yes, look at the PAP candidates, consider them carefully,» he began. «But I will also say, don't give the opposition a free pass.» Apply the same standards to them as done to the PAP — in terms of integrity, competence and readiness to serve, added PM Wong. «Remember, above all, when the election is over... the real contest is not the PAP versus the opposition. It is Singapore versus the world. It is our little red dot versus a dangerous and troubled world.» Earlier in his speech, the PM also emphasised the significance of this election, stating that there is turbulence amid trade barriers and global tariffs.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong spent Thursday morning (April 24) bonding with residents in Punggol GRC. Gan, who made a last-minute switch from Chua Chu Kang GRC to lead PAP's Punggol GRC team in the May 3 General Election, told AsiaOne at Punggol Field about his experiences during his walkabouts. «My objective really was to meet as many residents of Punggol as possible, because I really want to know them and let them know about me,» he shared. Gan, 66, together with his team of Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Janil Puthcheary, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs Sun Xueling and Yeo Wan Ling, met residents at Punggol MRT and also visited coffeeshops and a Prime Supermarket at Punggol Field.

AsiaOne bagged five awards, including Best News Website and Best Fact Checking Project, at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025. The 16th edition of the Digital Media Awards Asia saw 193 entries from news content companies across Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and more. Organised by World Association of News Publishers, the awards were created to recognise news organisations for leadership and innovation in the adoption of media strategies for the digital age. Winners were awarded on Wednesday (Apr 23) at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre, as part of the Digital Media Asia conference, Asia-Pacific's largest regional digital news media event. AsiaOne wins Best News Website for coverage on Pope Francis' visit Before his recent passing, last year in September, Singapore had the honour of welcoming the late Pope Francis for a historic papal visit. It marked the head of the worldwide Catholic Church's first visit to Singapore. He was rounding up his 45th Apostolic Journey abroad and held a Holy Mass at the Singapore National Stadium to some 50,000 attendees.

SINGAPORE - The eleventh-hour decision by WP to withdraw from Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC will make it near impossible for opposition parties to co-operate and avoid multi-party contests in future elections. Speaking during a walkabout at Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre on April 24, National Solidarity Party (NSP) secretary-general Spencer Ng said that maintaining unity among opposition parties to avoid multi-cornered battles is going to be «extremely difficult, or close to impossible». «Some parties, in the name of opposition unity, demand that the other party make way for them. »They make use of this (idea of) opposition unity and try to barge their way through,« said Mr Ng, who leads the five-member NSP team contesting Sembawang GRC. His comments echo the view of People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng, who said that he was angry that WP decided not to field a team for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC. »It is very ironic that the slogan of WP is working for Singapore. But do you really work for Singapore when you deprive 130,000 voters of their right to vote?" he reportedly said.

Candidates during the General Election are often under great public scrutiny, and this can sometimes include receiving comments from members of the public.  One netizen's comment has drawn strong rebuke from Red Dot United (RDU)'s candidate Liyana Dhamirah, who took to Facebook on Wednesday (April 23) — just a few hours before she was to head to her nomination centre at Nan Hua High School — to speak up on an incident that had happened to her.  In the post, the 38-year-old said that under the comments of a video showing her speaking at an unspecified press conference, one netizen remarked: «I want one nasi lemak chicken set.» 

Residents of the newly formed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC found out on Wednesday (April 23) that they will not partake in this year's general election. The People's Action Party (PAP) was the only party to submit nomination papers for this constituency, resulting in a walkover — the first since the 2011 General Election. The Workers' Party (WP) was expected to field a team in this constituency. Several residents from that GRC shared their thoughts on the unexpected walkover with AsiaOne today. Of the 10 residents interviewed, about half voiced their dissatisfaction over the absence of an electoral contest in their constituency. Jackie Lim, a 30-year-old profession who works in the advertising technology industry, told AsiaOne that she is «furious» that she won't be able to vote in the upcoming General Election. 

The General Election 2025 is in full swing and these parties will be holding their rallies this evening (April 24). AsiaOne will also be livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube the rallies by People's Action Party (PAP), Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and The Workers' Party (WP). GRAPHIC: AsiaOne The PAP team for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC includes Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Zaqy Mohamad, Alex Yam and Hany Soh. PM Wong revealed in a social media post yesterday that Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung and Poh Li San will be making special appearances at the rally. The former is contesting in Sembawang GRC while Poh in Sembawang West SMC. The People's Power Party (PPP) team for Tampines GRC includes Goh Meng Seng, Derrick Sim, Vere Nathan, Peter Soh and Arbaah Haroun.

Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh said he has acknowledged the disappointment of some Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC residents whom he met on Nomination Day (April 23), following news that the constituency will not be contested this general election. The People's Action Party (PAP) won this new GRC in a surprise walkover after WP did not turn up at the constituency's assigned nomination centre. WP was expected to field a team in this constituency. This is the first electoral walkover since the 2011 General Election. Responding to a question posed by the media on the walkover, Singh said on April 24 that there is «nothing untoward» about WP's decision on where to field candidates, and that they had put forward the «best slate» possible. «We want a more balanced political system. And this is the same point I made yesterday to some Marine Parade residents who I met,» he told reporters at Sengkang's Kopitiam Square. "I acknowledged and validated their disappointment that we will not standing there.

The general election on May 3 will mark the final time Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder Tan Cheng Bock contests a seat. «This will be my last election,» said Dr Tan, 84, in a video posted to his Facebook page on Thursday (April 24). He will turn 85 this weekend.  «At my current age, I wouldn't be in politics unless I saw a real need,» he added, saying that many are struggling with cost of living, housing and employment issues. Dr Tan reflected on his 26-year political career and highlighted key issues he had championed, including free parking on Sundays and public holidays, and using CPF funds for tertiary education.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng has penned a heartfelt Facebook post thanking Marine Parade residents for their support for the past five years.  Dr Tan said he's leaving Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC with a «full heart» after a surprise move in the eleventh hour which saw him moved to lead the People's Action Party (PAP) team in Chua Chu Kang GRC. «It is difficult to leave Marine Parade,» said Dr Tan, while reassuring residents that they have been left in good care with the new PAP team comprising Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, Seah Kian Peng, Tin Pei Ling and new faces Diana Pang and Goh Pei Ming. The five-member PAP team for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC was returned unopposed after no other candidates filed nomination papers for the constituency. «Over the past five years, I have been deeply blessed by your warmth, support, and friendship. Marine Parade is special, and I will cherish the memories we have together,» said Dr Tan in his Facebook post posted yesterday afternoon, addressing residents. He then thanked them for allowing him into their lives.

From Tan Chuan-Jin's viral running photo to Jamus Lim's iconic «cockles of my heart» catchphrase, memes and jokes are what make something as serious as the General Election more lighthearted.  And for the 2025 General Election, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has unintentionally got the ball rolling.  In a viral video, founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock, secretary-general Leong Mun Wai and a PSP supporter were seen narrowly avoiding being hit by a carpark barrier on Nomination Day (April 23).  The trio had alighted from their car outside a coffeeshop near Nan Hua High School and after the vehicle drove off, the barrier dropped.  Leong was quick to catch it before it hit anyone and as he did so, a man donning the PSP shirt ran to assist them.  While thankfully no one was harmed, tickled netizens got creative. 

As Nomination Day comes to a close and battle lines have been drawn, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says he expects this year's General Election to be a «tough contest». Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (April 23) with fellow People's Action Party (PAP) members Masagos Zulkifli, Chan Chun Sing and Indranee Rajah, PM Wong, who is also the party's secretary-general, said: «The opposition is better organised than before, and aside from one walkover, every area will be fiercely contested. »My team and I will work very hard to make our case to Singaporeans and win every vote.« He added that he has assembled the »best possible team for Singapore« in this »changed world«, noting the challenges this time are »more severe" compared to the last election amid the current global climate. “The opposition says: Don’t fear. This is an overreaction. The PAP is overdoing it. But I think if you truly examine the facts and ask yourself, is the world changing? Is something different? The answer is yes,” PM Wong said.

SINGAPORE - Independent candidate Darryl Lo, who is contesting Radin Mas SMC, will not hold physical rallies, will distribute 15,000 fliers and will put up 200 posters with a team of 12 volunteers. And while he acknowledged he has no political presence, he said he is going solo as there is no credible opposition in his constituency. Mr Lo is one of two independent candidates standing for election when Singaporeans go to the polls on May 3. The other is Mr Jeremy Tan, who is contesting Mountbatten SMC. Both men are first-time candidates, and plan to be full-time MPs if elected. On Nomination Day on April 23, Mr Lo, 28, told The Straits Times: «I always have the belief that sometimes an underdog may emerge successful. And I hope the residents see my perseverance and hard work.» He will be up against incumbent PAP MP Melvin Yong, 53, and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Kumar Appavoo, 56. There are 25,497 voters in Radin Mas.

Nomination Day in Singapore took place on Wednesday (23 April), officially setting the stage for the upcoming General Election. From surprise matchups to familiar faces returning to the spotlight, the day provided clarity on who is running where—and what to look out for in the days ahead. Here are five key highlights from today’s events.  Heng Swee Keat and Teo Chee Hean to retire  Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced via a Facebook post on Nomination Day that he will not be running in the upcoming election.  DPM Heng said that he believes it is the «right time to make way for a new team of capable individuals who are well placed to serve Singapore». He also expressed his gratitude to the activists and volunteers from East Coast and Tampines.  «You have dedicated your time and effort to forging a more cohesive and caring Singapore,» said DPM Heng.