A Historic Walkover Leaves First-Time Voters Disheartened

SINGAPORE – Residents in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights area are feeling let down as the upcoming general election on May 3 will see a walkover, leaving many without the chance to vote, including eager first-time voters like 23-year-old Ms. Grysell.

Having lived in Geylang for 11 years, Grysell was looking forward to casting her ballot but is now disheartened that the five-member PAP team was elected unopposed when nomination procedures closed on April 23. "I didn’t expect this at all, and it’s a bummer to miss out on my first voting experience," she lamented.

A Rare Phenomenon in Singapore’s Political Landscape

This is the first uncontested election since 2011, when the PAP team for Tanjong Pagar GRC had no opponents. The opposition Workers' Party (WP) previously contested Marine Parade GRC in 2015 and 2020, but this year, they decided to forgo a challenge.

In the last election, the WP garnered a respectable 42.26% of the vote. However, changes in electoral boundaries, merging parts of MacPherson and Mountbatten into Marine Parade-Braddell Heights, altered the contest dynamics.

Strategic Decisions or Missed Opportunities?

Local residents expressed mixed feelings at Geylang East Market & Food Centre about the absence of electoral competition. Some voiced frustration over the lack of a contest, while others felt it was a strategic move by both the PAP and WP.

WP leader Pritam Singh mentioned in a Facebook post that focusing their resources on fewer constituencies was critical this election cycle for candidate success.

Yearning for a Vibrant Election Atmosphere

Mr. Ashvin, a 28-year-old resident, voiced his disappointment, recalling how the last election lacked the energy of traditional campaigning due to the pandemic. He said, "I was really looking forward to rallies and seeing both parties in action, so hearing about a walkover was shocking. It’s definitely a let-down."

Several residents expressed a desire to see candidates battle for the votes to gauge confidence levels and ensure that the winning party truly represents them.

Voices of Discontent Among Seniors

C.K. Chan, a retired engineer in his 70s, described the situation as a shameful letdown for many voters, stating, "It’s frustrating to have to wait another five years to vote. The opposition should have presented candidates to contest."

Kent, a 65-year-old retired manager, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that a competitive election ensures the winning team remains accountable and truly understands community needs.

Changes in Leadership Spark Further Surprise

The residents were also taken aback by notable changes during Nomination Day, particularly Dr. Tan See Leng's unexpected shift to the PAP team for Chua Chu Kang GRC. Many had considered him a prominent figure in their constituency.

Executive officer Amarjit Singh, 59, expressed mixed feelings about Dr. Tan’s departure, reflecting on his visibility within the community and hoping for a capable team to step in.

Mixed Feelings About Not Voting This Year

Interestingly, not all residents were disgruntled. 71-year-old homemaker Hajjah Rokiah Majid, a Marine Parade resident for nearly four decades, said, "Honestly, I’m okay with skipping this year. I’ve voted many times, and I don’t expect much to change if I voted for a different party."

As residents grapple with the reality of an uncontested election, they look forward to future opportunities to make their voices heard, hoping for a more dynamic political experience in the years to come.