In the recent General Election 2025 (GE2025), the People’s Action Party (PAP) secured victory in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency (GRC) without facing any opposition, marking the first walkover since 2011. The contest was expected between PAP and the Workers’ Party (WP), as WP had previously contested Marine Parade GRC in 2020. However, the unexpected turn of events unfolded when WP decided not to contest the constituency, allowing PAP to secure their first win uncontested.
According to the report, there were indications of WP’s decision not to contest as reporters overheard WP supporters at the nomination centre discussing the party’s choice not to participate. The confirmation came when no WP team showed up at the nomination centre within the stipulated time. This walkover contrasted the competitive electoral climate typically seen in Singapore and caught many by surprise.
In response to the uncontested victory, PAP’s candidates expressed their commitment to serve the residents diligently despite not facing a contest. Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng remarked on the commitment of the PAP team, stating, “Our heart and our mission, and our goals remain unchanged – which is to do our best and serve, to make lives better for residents.” PAP’s candidate, Minister of State for National Development and Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of doubling their efforts to gain the trust and support of residents in the upcoming term.
On the other hand, WP chief Pritam Singh addressed the decision not to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC as a challenging one for the opposition party, attributing it to strategic considerations. Singh highlighted the party’s focus on deploying resources effectively to maximise electoral success, which led to the decision to concentrate efforts on fewer constituencies in GE2025.
Additionally, it was confirmed that WP would field 26 candidates across eight constituencies, emphasising a strategic deployment of resources for greater impact. While the decision not to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC was difficult, the party remains committed to advocating for necessary changes and principles in the areas they are contesting.
The walkover in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in GE2025 signifies a shift in the electoral dynamics, showcasing strategic decisions made by both PAP and WP.
