GE2025: Three-way contest in Sembawang GRC: PAP faces challenges from SDP and NSP

SINGAPORE: Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) will see a three-cornered contest in the upcoming General Election on 3 May, with candidates from the People’s Action Party (PAP), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and National Solidarity Party (NSP) confirmed on Wednesday, 23 April.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung leads the PAP team, alongside Vikram Nair, Mariam Jaafar, and two new faces — Ng Shi Xuan and Gabriel Lam.

The ruling party hopes to defend the constituency it previously won with 67.29 per cent of the vote in the 2020 General Election.

Voter Concerns Rise Amid Cost of Living Pressures and Redrawn Boundaries

The SDP slate is made up of vice-chairman Bryan Lim, treasurer Surayah Akbar, deputy head of policy James Gomez, as well as Damanhuri Abas and Alfred Tan.

During the nomination speeches, Gomez pointed to the surging cost of living as a key issue this election.

“This time, when the cost of living is going up so high, and the global and national situation has changed, you need Members of Parliament from a party that can grip the issue and speak up for you. This is the SDP,” said Gomez.

The NSP, which had reportedly failed to reach an agreement with SDP over contesting Sembawang earlier this month, announced its team just hours before nominations closed.

Led by party chief Spencer Ng, the slate includes Raiyian Chia, Verina Ong, Lee Wei, and Yadzeth Hairis.

Ng declared, “Our team stands before you as one, united not just by party colours, but by a shared belief that Singapore’s future must be built with the people, for the people, and by leaders who never forget who they serve.”

Sembawang GRC now has 133,919 voters, with revised electoral boundaries since the last election.

A portion of the GRC has been carved out to form the new Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC), adding a fresh dimension to this year’s race.

Ong thanked supporters after confirming the PAP lineup, stating, “Our vision for Sembawang is a Sembawang for everyone.

We will be going around town, shaking your hands, asking you to give us your vote.”

The three-way contest is shaping up to be closely watched, as voters assess not only party manifestos but also the credibility and familiarity of candidates in a constituency undergoing change — both on the ground and in national discourse.

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