SINGAPORE - With a mere two weekends remaining before the highly anticipated Polling Day on May 3, the political arena is heating up in the fiercely contested East Coast GRC. Both the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Workers' Party (WP) have ramped up their efforts to connect with local residents.

On April 19, potential candidates from both parties were spotted bustling through markets and coffee shops in Bedok, trying to establish rapport with the community. However, the complete list of candidates on either side remains shrouded in mystery, despite some tantalizing hints.

Currently, the only confirmed name on the PAP ticket is Dr. Maliki Osman's successor in the Siglap ward—newcomer Hazlina Abdul Halim. Speculation is rife that Minister Edwin Tong will transition from Marine Parade GRC to East Coast GRC. Yet, pivotal questions linger over whether Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will remain on the slate or hang up his boots.

As the campaign trail unfolded, Mr. Tong was seen engaging with residents in Lucky Valley, accompanied by Dr. Maliki and Madam Hazlina. During their interactions, Dr. Maliki took the opportunity to present Mr. Tong as the leader of their constituency team, stating, "Ministers are leaders of the GRC as a team," while emphasizing that DPM Heng's role is critical too.

Mr. Tong and his team are poised to announce their finalized roster once Prime Minister Lawrence Wong gives the green light. "It's crucial for us to identify candidates who resonate with the demographic and community needs," he articulated. His commitment to the residents in Joo Chiat ward remains unwavering as he transitions to East Coast.

In addition to Mr. Tong, PAP has introduced Goh Pei Ming, a former brigadier-general and now a fresh contender, who is intimately familiar with East Coast due to 17 years of grassroots involvement in Kampong Chai Chee.

Local resident Zulkifli Yannie, 59, shared his first impressions of Madam Hazlina and Mr. Tong, praising Dr. Maliki for the neighborhood improvements and expressing hope for continued progress.

Meanwhile, WP is strategizing as well, with Kenneth Foo, a familiar face from the previous election, seen with Ang Boon Yaw, a lawyer, engaging residents at local establishments. Their presence has sparked speculation about their candidacy in the upcoming election.

The stakes are high in East Coast, where the PAP clinched victory by a slender margin of 53.39% against WP's 46.61% in the previous election. With significant shifts in candidates—most notably the departure of established faces—this election could see a dramatically different outcome.

Residents have indicated they are eager for more choices, appreciating the competition between parties, and social media channels have been buzzing as constituents are encouraged to voice their concerns.

Adding to the mix, emerging politician Chia Yun Kai, creator of the newly formed Most Valuable Party, has been actively engaging potential candidates for his slate, including plans to feature a minority candidate.

As the clock ticks down to May 3, the political tension is palpable. Residents and political aficionados alike are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the ultimate showdown!