SINGAPORE: The National Solidarity Party (NSP) is gearing up for the 2025 General Election with an exciting strategy that incorporates a blend of seasoned politicians and new contenders in the highly competitive Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Party president Reno Fong made this announcement during a walkabout on March 16, coinciding with the recent release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report outlining significant electoral changes.

Reno Fong confirmed that he and NSP vice-president Mohd Ridzwan Mohammad will be vying for seats in the constituency, supported by three new faces that the party hopes will energize its campaign. "We are taking our time with these newcomers, ensuring they are ready for prime time. Their official unveiling will happen at the appropriate moment," he noted.

In the previous 2020 General Election, both Fong and Ridzwan represented NSP in Tampines GRC, securing 33.59% of the votes against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which won with 66.41%.

During their recent outreach efforts, around 20 NSP members and volunteers engaged with the community near Our Tampines Hub and the Darul Ghufran Mosque. They also received support from coalition partners, including members from the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), Red Dot United (RDU), and the Singapore United Party (SUP), who joined in distributing campaign materials and fostering community ties.

Prepared for Multiple Contestants

The Tampines GRC is anticipated to be one of the most contested areas in the upcoming election. Notably, Goh Meng Seng, secretary-general of the People’s Power Party (PPP), has already expressed his intention to contest this constituency, adding to the competitive atmosphere.

When asked about the possibility of a three- or four-cornered fight, Mr. Fong stated, "NSP has always believed in contesting familiar territories. However, we are not ruling out a four-cornered contest if it becomes necessary, as it can often be the case that multiple parties are interested in the same constituency."

He acknowledged the complexities brought by competitors like Goh Meng Seng, adding, "He is entitled to run wherever he chooses, but it remains to be seen if he will have a consistent presence in the same constituency over multiple elections."

Strategic Aspirations for 2025

Following the recent EBRC report, NSP secretary-general Spencer Ng expressed grave concern over what he perceives as "continued gerrymandering" of Singapore's electoral borders, emphasizing that the party remains determined to push through these challenges. NSP plans to contest in seven constituencies, including the newly established Tampines Changkat Single Member Constituency (SMC).

Addressing the formation of the Changkat SMC, Fong expressed the party's awareness of the PAP's stronghold in that area, stating, "It’s a challenging constituency with deep-rooted PAP support, but we are open to competing there if we can find the right candidates."

Moreover, Fong criticized the frequent changes in electoral boundaries, questioning their fairness for residents who find themselves shifted between constituencies every election cycle. "This lack of stability does not serve the community well," he remarked.

The NSP is committed to collaborating with other opposition parties to minimize the likelihood of three- or four-cornered contests, aiming to present a united front against the PAP's dominance.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2025 election, the NSP is making strategic moves to galvanize support, and with a combination of experienced politicians and new talent, they hope to make a significant impact in Tampines GRC. Stay tuned as the election approaches, and don’t miss out on this unfolding political drama!