GE2025: "Our percentage is going to be a lot higher", says SPP's Steve Chia on Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
"I think that this time round, our percentage is going to be a lot higher," said Singapore People's Party (SPP) secretary-general Steve Chia, who is contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC for #GE2025. He added that it will be a "50-50 per cent chance" and that they are "working hard to make sure we cross the 50 per cent, with every hand that we shake." Mr Chia was also asked about his thoughts on his opponents from the People's Action Party (PAP) led by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
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Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Straits Times
How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life
Physical advertising materials, like posters and flags, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season. PHOTO: ST FILE How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life SINGAPORE - With the 2025 General Election now over, several political parties and candidates say they are reducing wastage of their campaign materials by reusing, recycling and even selling some of them. Those who are selling their physical advertising materials like posters told The Straits Times that they are doing so to raise funds to cover the cost of the campaign, or to donate to charity. On May 28, the Elections Department (ELD) released preliminary data showing that the average election spending per candidate worked out to be $25,285. The records showed that the five members of the PAP's Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team, which enjoyed Singapore's first walkover since 2011, were the top spenders among 35 candidates who have declared their expenses so far. Non-online election advertising was the slate's largest expense, accounting for about 60 per cent of $388,756 spent by the candidates . Physical advertising materials like posters and flags, which are grouped under non-online election advertising in ELD data, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season . However, there are no official figures for how much of the materials wind up in the landfill once these campaigns end. A PAP spokeswoman told ST that the party sorted its election paraphernalia into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and disposed of them properly. She said: 'Our campaigning materials are not for sale or auction.' Some items like corrugated parts may be repurposed by printers for other uses, such as cardboard standees, she added. The spokeswoman said the party also reuses some materials produced before the 2025 General Election, like banners with PAP logos . PAP volunteers and workers keeping PAP posters featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and elected candidates in Ang Mo Kio GRC on May 4. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) said they recycle some of their campaign materials. SDA chief Desmond Lim said the party has used biodegradable materials since 2020, and raised $8,000 through sales of roadside posters in 2025, up from about $5,000 after the previous general election. The proceeds and another $8,000 from Mr Lim's pocket were donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to help children and youth from low-income families with school-related expenses. Posters of SDA Pasir Ris-Changi GRC candidates on display near Tampines Meridian Junior College on April 28. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Mr Lim added: ' This initiative isn't just a practice; it embodies our commitment to reducing waste and championing sustainability within our community. We want to create a positive impact not only for our supporters in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, but also for all Singaporeans.' Meanwhile, an SDP spokesperson said its leftover campaign material is recycled or used for fund-raising purposes. By June 1, the party had sold about 9 per cent of an estimated 450 roadside posters set aside for fund raising . As for its merchandise such as umbrellas and stuffed toys, the remaining stock has been stored at the party's headquarters for future use. A People's Power Party spokeswoman said its campaign materials have been distributed or sold to its volunteers and supporters to partially offset expenses. SDP bear plushies on sale during an SDP lunchtime rally at the promenade next to UOB Plaza on April 29. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The independent candidates who ran during the recent election, Mr Jeremy Tan and Mr Darryl Lo, also said they had sought to make their campaigns environmentally friendly. Mr Lo, who took 23.52 per cent of the vote at Radin Mas SMC, said he paid more for paper from sustainably managed forests , and printed 13,000 fliers and brochures for roughly the same number of households. Less than 120 copies of each remained after the campaign. He chose to give away most of the 252 posters printed for the election. Instead of charging fees, supporters were told to donate generously to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). The law graduate who worked in the technology sector said he decided on SOS because of its 'profound' work to prevent suicide, which includes manning a 24-hour helpline. Mr Tan, who garnered 36.18 per cent of the vote share for Mountbatten SMC, said he used leftover plywood from a construction site for his posters. All 200 posters, except for four, have been recycled. The retired businessman said: 'It was cheaper to do things this way, so it wasn't too challenging.' He plans to set up a microsite to sell about 1,000 autographed fliers, clappers and t-shirts, with all proceeds to go to organisations like social service agency Care Corner. ST has also reached out to WP, the only opposition party in Parliament with 12 MPs, and other parties, including the PSP. The National Library Board's (NLB) collection of published heritage shows that the WP has, on occasion , donated some campaign materials through the Legal Deposit, which preserves such items. An NLB spokesperson said it has encouraged political parties and candidates to contribute materials like printed manifestos, fliers, brochures, recordings of campaign speeches, rallies, related websites and social media accounts to the board for preservation. She said: 'In line with the National Library and National Archives of Singapore's role as a memory institution, materials related to important national milestones in Singapore's history are collected, documented and preserved.' Analysts lauded the candidates' efforts to extend the lifespan of campaign materials, and urged candidates to be more ambitious in their initiatives. Dr Aidan Wong, who teaches urban studies at Singapore Management University, said the range of steps taken indicates a recognition across the life stages of printed material. 'This movement indicates a greater awareness among political parties that being environmentally sustainable is part of our DNA, and this overall consciousness is gaining good traction.' James Cook University's Professor Adrian Kuah, who advises developing countries on minimising waste and maximising resources , pointed out that strategies to reuse and repurpose existing materials are superior to using recycled materials because they reduce further production from raw resources. 'Instead of one-time use, the political party can consider producing posters that can be reused for future events and general elections,' he said. Dr Wong and Dr Kuah suggested that candidates can take further steps to protect the environment, like introducing zero-waste rallies and hosting more campaign materials online. During the 2023 Presidential Election, for instance, candidate Ng Kok Song opted to not have physical posters or banners. Still, party paraphernalia remain a part of political elections, the analysts acknowledged. Said Dr Wong: 'Not only do they make voters aware of the parties and candidates campaigning in their constituency, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the campaigning period.' The practice of selling and giving away party memorabilia dates back to the 1980s, but has become more visible with online platforms like Carousell, according Mr Emyr Uzayr, head of marketing at vintage shop Treasure At Home. The 21-year-old added: 'While I do not see value in the current election materials, you never know how they might be viewed in years to come... What seems unimportant today could become historically significant tomorrow.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Straits Times
Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30
The Elections Department encouraged non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30 SINGAPORE - If you failed to cast your vote at the 2025 General Election , you will be able to apply to restore your name to the Registers of Electors from May 30. In a statement on May 29, the Elections Department (ELD) said that Singaporeans can check their particulars and voter status online, and apply to restore their names, on the ELD website or via the Singpass app. The names of eligible voters who did not cast their votes during GE2025 were removed from the Registers in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, said ELD. It encouraged such non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names once the writ for an election is issued. Those who are unable to check their particulars in the Registers electronically may do so at any community centre or club or ServiceSG Centre. They can also do so at the ELD office by making an e-appointment via the ELD website or by calling 1800-225-5353. The lists of community centres or clubs and ServiceSG Centres can be found at and respectively. Overseas Singaporeans who are unable to check their particulars online may do so at Singapore overseas missions serving as overseas registration centres. A list of such centres can be found at The 2025 General Election saw the lowest voter turnout by percentage since 1968. On Polling Day, 92.47 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in Singapore. After the addition of overseas voters, GE2025 saw a total turnout of 92.83 per cent, with 2,438,610 of 2,627,026 registered voters in contested constituencies casting their ballots. Political observers said the likeliest explanation for the lower turnout in 2025 was that Singaporeans had already made travel plans before the election was called, taking advantage of the May Day holiday that fell on a Thursday. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
29-05-2025
- Online Citizen
PM Wong issues 'Rules of Prudence', calls on PAP MPs to serve with honesty and incorruptibility
SINGAPORE: People's Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament (MPs) must uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty and incorruptibility, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first 'Rules of Prudence' letter since assuming office. In the eight-page letter released to the media on 29 May, Wong urged PAP MPs to take ownership of causes they care about and advocate for them with conviction and responsibility. While championing issues that reflect constituents' aspirations or wider national concerns, MPs must go beyond rhetoric, he said. 'You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies,' wrote Wong, stressing the importance of effective and informed advocacy. The issuance of the 'Rules of Prudence' has been a PAP tradition following each general election. This is Wong's first such letter since becoming Prime Minister and PAP secretary-general. The party recently won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats with 65.57 per cent of the vote in the general election. While the core principles echoed those laid out in previous editions, particularly the one issued by Lee Hsien Loong in 2020, Wong's letter also highlighted current challenges and expectations, particularly in a more scrutinised and digitally connected political landscape. MPs urged to prepare thoroughly for key parliamentary debates Wong noted that MPs will first speak in Parliament during the upcoming debate on the President's Address, though the date of Parliament's reopening has yet to be announced. Other speaking opportunities include the Budget debate and debates on the budgets of various ministries. 'Make every opportunity count. Prepare your speeches carefully and deliver them clearly. This will help your audience and the media to grasp your points effectively,' Wong advised. He also emphasised the importance of engaging in robust but respectful parliamentary debate. MPs should be prepared for sharper questioning and must engage opposition members constructively. 'Address the issues and not the person,' he said, cautioning MPs against playing to the gallery. The 15th term of Parliament will feature 12 opposition MPs from the Workers' Party, including two Non-Constituency MPs. Wong addressed the evolving role of social media in political communication. Use social media wisely, not to disparage others, MPs told He urged MPs to embrace digital platforms to share their work and views, and to engage residents directly. However, he warned against using such platforms to disparage others. 'Social media has become a key channel for communication and a primary source of news for many. Use it well, but never to attack or undermine others,' he wrote. The letter reiterated key principles long held by the PAP, including clean government, proper conduct in Parliament, and separating business from politics. MPs were also reminded to maintain respectful relationships with public servants and to avoid exerting undue pressure or bypassing formal procedures. 'Never pressure [public servants] or seek to bypass proper processes,' Wong stated. Wong warns MPs against accepting gifts or favours He cautioned MPs against accepting gifts or favours that may compromise their impartiality. The letter specifically mentioned hampers, entertainment, dinners, and newly, concert tickets, as potential 'social lubricants' used to curry favour. 'You must be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you. Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence,' he wrote. Additional sections of the letter covered topics such as fundraising, financial prudence, and limits on holding directorships. Wong concluded by calling on PAP MPs to conduct themselves with modesty, dignity and decorum. 'In this internet age, you will always be in the public eye. You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course,' he said.
