Sylvia Lim disappointed as Aljunied loses polling districts to Tampines GRC in GE2025 boundary changes

SINGAPORE: Workers' Party (WP) chair Sylvia Lim and Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Gerald Giam have expressed disappointment over changes to their constituency’s electoral boundaries, which will see three polling districts moved to neighbouring Tampines GRC. The shift is part of a broader redrawing of Singapore’s electoral map ahead of the next general election, following recommendations by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC). The committee's report was released on 11 March 2025 and accepted by the Government.

WP leaders reflect on impact of boundary changes

Speaking to the state media CNA on 12 March, Lim stated that WP MPs, particularly Giam, had been actively engaging with residents in the affected districts over the years. The three polling districts being moved are part of the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol division, which falls under Giam’s care. Lim acknowledged the efforts made by the town council in addressing issues within these areas, particularly at the new GreenGem estate. She noted that problems such as rat infestations and improper food waste disposal had been tackled. “It’s a pity that now they will no longer be under our charge, and whatever work we have done, we’ll have to pass it on,” she remarked. Giam shared that residents in the affected districts had reached out to express their sadness over the move. He assured them that he would continue serving them until the end of his current term, adding, “After that, hopefully, whoever takes over will have a good slate to take over a good, well-maintained estate.” The WP MP also highlighted the unusual nature of this boundary change, saying, “This is one of the few times that the boundaries of an opposition ward have been redrawn.” He noted that the party remains committed to its work despite such changes, stating, “In politics, especially in Singapore, we always have to expect that the areas that we’re working on will be carved out.” When asked if he would contest in Aljunied GRC in the 2025 General Election, Giam said the WP would decide on its candidates in due course.

Electoral map changes across Singapore

The EBRC’s report introduced significant changes to Singapore’s electoral boundaries, with only five Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and four Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) remaining unchanged since the last General Election in 2020. The adjustments to Aljunied GRC are among three constituency changes aimed at aligning electoral boundaries with key geographical features. The report recommended that polling districts in Tampines West, located east of Bedok Reservoir and currently part of Aljunied GRC, be transferred to Tampines GRC. Before the changes, Aljunied GRC had 147,866 electors, according to the Provisional Registers of Electors as of 1 February 2025. Following the boundary adjustments, the three polling districts being moved—comprising 3,834 voters—will now fall under Tampines GRC, leaving Aljunied with 144,032 electors. Other constituencies that underwent minor adjustments include Chua Chu Kang and Holland-Bukit Timah GRCs. The affected districts in Tampines West include residential estates such as the Waterview and Tropica condominiums, as well as the new Tampines GreenGem Build-To-Order (BTO) estate, which was fully completed in March 2024.

Workers' Party’s response

On 11 March, WP issued a statement acknowledging the EBRC’s justification for the changes, which included population growth in certain areas. However, the party refrained from making any direct criticisms of the redrawing of boundaries. Instead, WP stated that it would assess the adjustments and announce its contesting constituencies and candidates at a later date. The redrawing of boundaries is a routine part of Singapore’s electoral process, but changes affecting opposition-held constituencies often draw scrutiny. WP leaders have reiterated their commitment to serving residents in Aljunied GRC and adapting to electoral shifts as necessary. With the next general election expected to be held by 2025, parties will now begin preparing their strategies and finalising their candidate line-ups in light of the revised electoral map.