In a rare development during Singapore’s 2025 General Election, the People’s Action Party (PAP) clinched an uncontested win in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, marking the first walkover at a General Election since 2011.
Only the PAP slate submitted nomination papers at Kong Hwa School, the designated nomination centre for the newly formed five-member GRC, on April 23. The PAP team comprises Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, former MacPherson SMC MP Tin Pei Ling, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, and two new faces – Goh Pei Ming and Diana Pang.
This walkover result came as a surprise, especially given the visible presence of several Workers’ Party (WP) members at the nomination centre. Notable WP figures such as Jeraldine Phneah and Linda Low were seen, sparking speculation that WP would be fielding a team in the GRC. However, they ultimately did not submit nomination papers.
The PAP had initially announced on April 21 that Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng would be part of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team. But in a twist, Dr Tan was instead fielded at Chua Chu Kang GRC, with no prior public announcement of the switch before nomination. This adjustment left some observers wondering if the last-minute shuffle influenced the opposition’s strategy.
Speaking after the walkover was confirmed, Mr Seah acknowledged that the result was unexpected. “Were we surprised? I would say yes, because it's been some time since this place ever had a walkover,” he remarked. “But walkover or not, our heart and our mission and our goals remain unchanged, which is to do our best to serve and make lives better for our residents.”
Mr Seah also paid tribute to Dr Tan See Leng, saying the team would miss him. “Dr Tan is a good doctor but he is also a good soldier and a good leader, and he goes where he is asked,” he said.
Shortly after nominations closed, the WP released a statement explaining its absence from the contest. In a Facebook post, WP chief Pritam Singh said the decision to withdraw was "very difficult" and stemmed from the need to focus its limited resources on a smaller number of constituencies.
“As a small opposition party, we are constantly faced with difficult choices about where and how best to deploy our limited resources, particularly after electoral boundaries are redrawn,” he said.
“After much reflection and careful consideration, we have determined that in order to continue fighting for the principles and changes we all believe in... the party must focus its best efforts this GE on a smaller number of constituencies than we would have hoped to contest.”
He added that the WP hopes to restart outreach efforts in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC after GE2025, signaling that the party has not abandoned the constituency for good.
The new GRC was formed following boundary adjustments that saw the dissolution of MacPherson SMC and Braddell Heights ward, absorbing areas previously part of Marine Parade GRC. Given the GRC’s historical significance and voter base, many expected it to be a battleground this year. Instead, it now becomes the only uncontested GRC of GE2025.
While this walkover grants the PAP team a free pass into Parliament, it also raises questions about opposition bandwidth, candidate planning, and the implications of sudden boundary changes.
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