Nation

GE2025: Workers' Party Chief Pritam Singh Warns Against Being 'Boxed In' by Boundary Changes

2025-05-04

Author: Nur

In a post-election address, Workers' Party (WP) leaders emphasized the need to remain adaptable in the face of electoral boundary alterations. Pritam Singh, the WP Secretary-General, highlighted that the results from the General Election 2025 could still provide avenues for the party's renewal.

Surrounded by party chair Sylvia Lim and other key figures like Gerald Giam and Fadli Fawzi, Singh spoke to the media shortly after the results were disclosed. WP successfully maintained its positions in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC, and Hougang SMC, solidifying its status as the only opposition party in Parliament with a total of 10 seats.

Despite these victories, WP struggled to make significant inroads into new constituencies, narrowly losing two Non-Constituency MP seats in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC. "We must not let the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) dictate our future," Singh stated during a walkabout in Aljunied GRC.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the EBRC, Singh urged the party to remain alert and proactive, especially as they shift focus from familiar grounds to newly designated districts such as Punggol GRC. His assertion was clear: adaptability is crucial for any political party.

A Close Race, but High Spirits

In the recent elections, WP's share of the vote slightly dipped to 50.04%, down from 50.5% in 2020. Meanwhile, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) returned to power with a commanding 65.57% of the popular vote, an increase from 61.24% in the past elections. Singh remarked, "Considering a 5% national swing, I think we have done commendably." He expressed pride in the performance of party members in Hougang, Aljunied, and Sengkang, praising their hard work and determination.

Despite questions regarding whether fielding stronger candidates could have altered the outcome, Singh pointed out the strategic balance necessary in political campaigns. He emphasized that compromising one team's strength for another might disrupt the overall strategy.

New Faces, New Opportunities

Party chair Sylvia Lim viewed the results not as setbacks but as fresh opportunities for renewal. She highlighted the inclusion of new talents among the elected MPs, emphasizing their potential to spark future growth and innovation in the party.

"Politics is a long journey, and every milestone presents a chance for growth," she noted, underlining the importance of new blood in their ranks. In assessing the election, Singh attributed difficulties to Singaporeans' desire to offer support to newly appointed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and general concerns surrounding international circumstances.

Despite these challenges, Singh reiterated the WP's commitment to being a positive political force. "We did our best, and while the PAP will strive to limit opposition growth, it's our duty to convey the importance of a balanced political landscape," he concluded.

As the party gears up for the future, Singh is ready to get back to serving the community, with Meet-The-People sessions starting soon in Aljunied GRC. His closing remarks resonated with optimism: "Elections are behind us, and it's time to focus on making this the best home for all of us."