Workers’ Party introduces final batch of new candidates ahead of 3 May general election

The Workers’ Party (WP) on 20 April, 2025, introduced its fourth and final batch of new candidates for Singapore’s upcoming general election, scheduled for 3 May. At a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Geylang, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh and party chair Sylvia Lim unveiled the final trio: Jackson Au Chee Meng, Paris V Parameswari, and Michael Thng Quan Wei. With these additions, the WP has now introduced 14 new faces to contest the election, as part of a broader effort to rejuvenate its line-up. This marks the culmination of four consecutive days of candidate announcements, following the launch of its manifesto on 17 April. Pritam Singh declined to disclose the specific constituencies in which the new candidates will be fielded, noting that final placements will be revealed closer to Nomination Day on 23 April. He emphasised that the new candidates reflect a wide range of experiences, stating, “It’s a broad range of individuals from different walks of life, different age groups, different backgrounds and different experiences.” Singh also confirmed that the WP expects to field more than the 21 candidates it presented in the 2020 general election, but still intends to contest fewer than one-third of the 97 parliamentary seats.

Candidate profiles

Jackson Au Chee Meng, 35, is a senior manager at the London Stock Exchange Group and currently sits on WP’s youth wing executive committee. He also contributes to the party’s media team. He began volunteering with the WP in Aljunied GRC in 2022 and served as a legislative assistant to former MP Leon Perera. Following Perera’s resignation in 2023, Au took over as coordinator for the Serangoon division. At the press conference, Au voiced his advocacy for greater transparency, press freedom, and enhanced public access to information. He expressed concern about executive overreach through laws such as the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma). He also highlighted generational anxieties, stating, “They feel left behind; that they will struggle to get good jobs or homes, and beneath it all, the deeper question is, can they build better lives for themselves and their parents?” Paris V Parameswari, 51, brings over two decades of security and defence experience to the party. A former US Navy security administrator based in Singapore, she also served six years in the Republic of Singapore Navy. Paris began volunteering with WP in 2021 and became a full member in 2022. She has participated in house visits, Hammer newsletter sales, and other outreach events. She said she hopes to champion causes such as improved employment opportunities for ex-offenders and the promotion of student-life balance in schools. “I wanted to be part of a dynamic team that works tirelessly for Singaporeans,” she stated. “The Workers’ Party team asks questions fearlessly in Parliament.” Paris has also volunteered with the Singapore Police Force’s Psychological Unit and the Singapore Prison Service. Michael Thng Quan Wei, 37, is the chief operating officer and co-founder of technology startup Showdrop. He holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School and was formerly a principal at Boston Consulting Group. Thng began volunteering with the WP in 2011, initially supporting the East Coast team. He has since worked closely with MP He Ting Ru in Sengkang GRC, contributing to grassroots and policy initiatives. He said his decision to run was motivated by a desire to help build stronger institutions and create inclusive policies. “Stronger systems aren’t built overnight, but they also don’t build themselves,” Thng stated. He cited WP’s role in improving access to housing for singles and equalising support for single mothers as examples of its policy impact.

Party strategy and forward outlook

This final batch completes WP’s candidate roll-out for GE2025, though Singh did not rule out the appearance of additional “spare candidates” on Nomination Day. The WP has previously confirmed it will contest fewer than one-third of seats, which translates to under 32 out of 97 constituencies. Assuming its eight incumbent MPs recontest their seats, the inclusion of several first-time and returning candidates is expected. Among the previously introduced new faces are senior counsel Harpreet Singh, former diplomat Eileen Chong Pei Shan, senior business director Alexis Dang and psychologist Ong Lue Ping from the Institute of Mental Health. With a platform unveiled just days earlier, the WP appears poised to present a refreshed and professionalised front, aiming to build on its presence in Parliament while offering alternative policy perspectives.