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Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
When it comes to voting for the opposition, Singaporeans want it slow and steady, and not suddenly
A total of 27 candidates from (clockwise, top left) the National Solidarity Party, People's Alliance for Reform, Singapore People's Party, Singapore United Party and People's Power Party polled below 12.5 per cent and lost $364,500 collectively in election deposits. ST PHOTOS: TAY HONG YI, TARYN NG, KUA CHEE SIONG, GAVIN FOO, AZMI ATHNI Commentary When it comes to voting for the opposition, Singaporeans want it slow and steady, and not suddenly SINGAPORE - There was surprise, anger and a lot of disappointment. Such was the despondent mood in the opposition camp on May 3 when the results of the 2025 General Election were released and the PAP romped home with a victory of 65.57 per cent of votes. That the smaller opposition players did not gain any ground is as much a given as the PAP forming the Government. But this time, the defeat was more abject, with a total of 27 candidates from the National Solidarity Party (NSP), People's Alliance for Reform (PAR), People's Power Party (PPP) and Singapore United Party polling below 12.5 per cent and losing $364,500 collectively in election deposits. Never has so much in deposits been forfeited in an election. Some like the PPP and NSP even managed to poll below 1 per cent of votes, granted it was from a four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC. Parties, people or pace? Interpreting the results, analysts have been almost unanimous in their assessment that the vote was a repudiation of the smaller 'mosquito parties', with their haphazardly put together motley crew of candidates, lack of groundwork, and unclear positions. To say that this has led to soul-searching, though, would be overstating it. Perhaps emotions are still too raw. A disgruntled opposition politician from one of the smaller, but older, parties told a colleague of mine that if it were up to him, he would change his party's logo to a black heart, reflecting how Singaporeans have been hard-hearted despite the sacrifices of him and his ilk. Another from a newer party ranted that his leaders' strong faith in the electorate had been misplaced, since voters care more about brand than beliefs. To them, the people are to blame. A look back at past election results will show that this has happened before. Perhaps not the losing of deposits – the last time the opposition camp polled so badly was in 1972 when 22 candidates got below 12.5 per cent of votes – but the swing away from the opposition. In 2015, opposition parties tried to build on the momentum of the 2011 election, where the WP took Aljunied GRC, the first group representation constituency won by any opposition party. When the results were released, the PAP had won with 69.86 per cent of votes, a 9 percentage point swing from the previous election. After that, the 2020 election saw the WP adding to its turf with a win in Sengkang GRC. Then, of course, we have this just concluded 2025 election. While each swing may seem like a big win or a big loss, and seen discretely it is, over a longer term it is perhaps more indicative of the pace of change Singaporeans are comfortable with, than their preference for particular parties or policies. Surveys, like those done by the Institute of Policy Studies after each election since 2006, have consistently shown the desire among voters for greater political diversity. What the election results show, in concert with this, is the desire to get there slowly, steadily, and not suddenly. A vote for progress For the longest time, the umbrella term of 'opposition' has been used to refer to the many different opposition parties and politicians collectively. But this has changed in recent times, with the standout performance of the WP since 2011. While in the past, votes for opposition parties were often regarded as a vote for the opposition cause, or protest votes against the PAP, increasingly, votes for opposition parties will become more intentional. This means opposition parties can no longer rely on the old formula of banking on antipathy towards the PAP. At best, as this election shows, the die-hard anti-PAP vote bank is shrinking from the estimated 20 per cent to 30 per cent of voters, to below 20 per cent. In constituencies like Tanjong Pagar GRC and Queenstown SMC, the PAR got 18.97 per cent and 18.88 per cent of votes, respectively. With a plethora of parties to choose from, voters are thinking harder about what ideology each party subscribes to, looking at their policy suggestions and sizing up their candidates. As seen in the WP's showing, which was markedly better than even its closest competitors the PSP and Singapore Democratic Party, voters clearly expect certain standards of opposition candidates and parties, even if they are prepared to lower these standards in comparison to the PAP. The WP's parliamentary profile aside, it has been consistently recruiting higher-calibre candidates each election and putting out well-researched election manifestos. In addition, it has continued to cultivate the ground, with party chief Pritam Singh saying a day after the election that work goes on. This makes some of the other opposition parties look opportunistic, when they appear with a haphazardly assembled motley crew right before hustings begin, rustle up last-minute manifestos and also skip on the groundwork in between elections. While voting is a private decision, withholding support to such parties can only be good for Singapore, and in the long run will help to develop more credible opposition parties that will not just bumble through election cycle to election cycle. The vote this time around, then, was also a vote for the kind of opposition politics Singaporeans want to perpetuate, and also the kind they want to do without, a necessary step on the road towards a two-party or multi-party democracy. As Reform Party chief Kenneth Jeyaretnam famously said after the 2015 election, Singaporeans get the government they deserve. If I may add, also the opposition they deserve. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use new-found platforms to speak up on issues
Mr Darryl Lo (left) and Mr Jeremy Tan meeting after the rally at Home of Athletics on May 1. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use new-found platforms to speak up on issues SINGAPORE – The two independent candidates who contested the May 3 election intend to use their new-found platforms to engage with Singaporeans on local and national issues, even though neither was elected. Mountbatten candidate Jeremy Tan , 34 , told The Straits Times on May 5 that he has not ruled out contesting the next general election. Mr Darryl Lo , 28 , who contested in Radin Mas, was coy about his plans, saying he was unsure if he would continue being involved in politics. Political observers said the pair – part of an 'evolving profile' of political independents – had polled better than expected, and were able to put their views across coherently during their campaigns. They also noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo performed better at the ballot box than some candidates from small opposition parties fielded in single seats. Mr Tan, a retired business owner, ran against maritime lawyer Gho Sze Kee from the ruling PAP in Mountbatten. Both are political newcomers. Mr Tan polled 36.16 per cent – the highest vote share for an independent candidate since the 1972 General Election, when independent Ng Teng Kian garnered 41.87 per cent of the vote in Punggol. Mr Tan said he spent about $17,000 on his campaign, including $10,000 on the stage and set-up for his rally. Mr Lo, a law graduate who worked in the technology sector, was in a three-cornered race for Radin Mas. He was up against the PAP's Mr Melvin Yong – who has held the seat since 2020 – and Mr Kumar Appavoo of the People's Alliance for Reform , who had contested Radin Mas twice before, in 2015 and 2020. Mr Yong retained his seat in 2025, while Mr Lo garnered 23.47 per cent of the vote, surpassing Mr Kumar, who polled 7.36 per cent. Mr Tan and Mr Lo fared better than candidates from small opposition parties, including Ms Kala Manickam from Red Dot United, who won 19.49 per cent of the vote in Jurong Central. Mr Tan said he plans to use his social media platforms to discuss issues that interest him. These may include the rise of autism and pets on public transport, as he feels strongly about these issues and has received public feedback on them. He also intends to speak up about issues such as the impact of the US tariffs on Singapore. Mr Tan has around 19,400 followers on Instagram. Encouraged by the positive response from voters who were willing to give him a chance, Mr Tan said he saw this as a 'positive sign' to work on municipal issues. He plans to prioritise raising funds for and calling attention to the plight of low-income households in Mountbatten and Marine Parade. He is also talking to some opposition parties that are regrouping to determine their future. Mr Lo, meanwhile, said his goal was to deny Mr Yong an increased vote share in Radin Mas, and he is happy he did so. Mr Yong garnered 74.01 per cent of the vote in 2020 against Mr Kumar, who received 25.99 per cent. In 2025, Mr Yong received 69.17 per cent of the vote. On outperforming Mr Kumar in 2025 by about 16 percentage points, Mr Lo said: 'It shows that the residents are looking for someone who is more credible. Just because you have been in politics for the past 10 years and participated in the same SMC doesn't mean that your vote share (is guaranteed).' Mr Lo said he spent around $12,000 on his campaign, of which almost $8,000 went to the printing of fliers and posters. He has about 6,000 followers on Instagram. Mr Lo said he plans to use his platform to talk about politics and issues being debated in Parliament. He will also write about municipal issues in Radin Mas, such as the cleanliness of the Bukit Purmei area, where he lives, and having a dog run in the constituency. Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab research fellow Teo Kay Key said Mr Tan's and Mr Lo's results show that they were perceived to be sufficiently credible, and their policies resonated with some voters. Mr Tan advocated the termination of Housing Board flats being used as retirement assets and for digital currency Bitcoin to be incorporated into Singapore's financial system. Mr Lo campaigned for harsher penalties for drink drivers and for singles above 21 years old to be allowed to buy HDB flats, among other things. Dr Teo added that both candidates positioned themselves as independent of party whips, which may have led voters to think that they could champion issues they believed in. She noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo were 'different types of independent candidates' from those who contested previous elections. They offered 'rational perspectives' and concrete suggestions, instead of merely criticising and opposing the Government. Both men performed significantly better than other independents in the last two elections. In GE2020 , independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah received 2.78 per cent of the vote in Pioneer . Mr Samir Salim Neji obtained 0.6 per cent of the vote in Bukit Batok in GE2015, while in that election, Ms Han Hui Hui won 10.03 per cent of the vote in Radin Mas. Independent political observer Felix Tan said Mr Tan and Mr Lo were well-spoken, more sensible, rational and able to articulate their thoughts more coherently. Dr Tan noted that their relative success signals that voters may not see how partisan politics – supporting various political parties – was necessarily beneficial. He also attributed the independents' positive results to their strong political conviction to help Singaporeans and their neutrality, given that they were not entering politics to ensure the survival of any political party. 'There are voters who are very tired of the same gimmicks that political parties use to articulate their stance,' said Dr Tan. He added that the independents were 'far more knowledgeable' than some members from smaller political parties, which was why voters, especially younger ones, were more willing to support them. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst and SMU law don, said the Singaporean electorate 'does not automatically write off independent candidates, contrary to popular belief'. 'The evolving profile of such independents is a welcome development,' he added. He believes more individuals will seriously consider running as independents in the next election, going by the relative success of the two men this time. On why voters may have chosen to cast their ballots for independents, Prof Tan said it boils down to 'choice'. If the PAP and Singapore's main opposition party, the WP, were in a straight fight in a constituency, the independent's appeal may be significantly reduced. 'But where you just have the PAP, and the independent candidate is perceived to be credible, then voters see themselves as having a real choice.' On what the independent candidates' results spell for smaller opposition parties, Prof Tan said smaller parties are 'facing the existential issue of political relevance'. This election has shown that independents can be competitive even against party candidates, and where there are strong independents, those from smaller parties will struggle even more to be competitive and electable. 'The smaller parties' struggle for relevance... is made more stark by independent candidates performing better,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Jeremy Tan and Darryl Lo vow continued political involvement as independents gain ground
Independent candidates Jeremy Tan and Darryl Lo, who contested the 3 May 2025 General Election, have pledged to remain active in political discourse and community engagement despite not winning their respective races in Mountbatten and Radin Mas. Tan, 34, garnered 36.16 per cent of the vote in Mountbatten against PAP newcomer Gho Sze Kee. This marked the highest vote share for an independent candidate since 1972. Lo, 28, achieved 23.47 per cent in Radin Mas, outperforming seasoned opposition candidate. Kumar Appavoo of the People's Alliance for Reform, who polled 7.36 per cent. Though neither candidate secured a parliamentary seat, both said they were encouraged by their results and planned to continue their advocacy through online platforms and grassroots engagement. Speaking to The Straits Times on 5 May, Tan said he has not ruled out participating in the next general election. Lo, meanwhile, was more reserved, stating that he was uncertain about his future in politics. Tan, who has 20,800 followers on Instagram and runs the website said he would use these channels to raise awareness of issues that received positive voter feedback. These include autism, pets on public transport, and the impact of international trade policies on Singapore. He also plans to focus on municipal concerns in Mountbatten and Marine Parade, such as supporting low-income families. Tan revealed he is in discussions with opposition parties that are regrouping post-election to explore future collaboration. Lo, who has 6,400 Instagram followers, has no personal website and relied heavily on walkabouts during his campaign. His face-to-face approach allowed him to focus on hyperlocal issues in Radin Mas, such as cleanliness in Bukit Purmei and the proposal for a community dog run. He expressed satisfaction in reducing the PAP's vote share in Radin Mas, noting that Melvin Yong's support dropped from 74.01 per cent in 2020 to 69.17 per cent in 2025. Lo said this outcome demonstrated that residents were open to new and credible alternatives, even without party backing. Both candidates spent significant personal funds on their campaigns—approximately S$17,000 by Tan and S$12,000 by Lo. Their campaign messages, which observers found clearer than those of some political parties, focused on policy specifics rather than party branding. While the clarity and coherence of their messaging contributed to their stronger-than-expected results, the independent label remains a key challenge. The lack of an organisational image behind independent candidates continues to be a barrier. The perceived absence of support structures, such as those needed to manage a town council, could undermine public confidence—even if the reality is that many small parties are fronted by just a handful of individuals. Tan's campaign included unconventional policy positions, such as ending the use of Housing Board flats as retirement assets and advocating for Bitcoin integration into Singapore's financial system. Lo pushed for stricter drink driving penalties and expanded HDB eligibility for singles over 21. Observers said that, given their results, both candidates represent a growing shift in how political alternatives are being presented in Singapore. Compared to past elections, where independents received marginal support—such as Cheang Peng Wah's 2.78 per cent in 2020 and Samir Salim Neji's 0.6 per cent in 2015—Tan and Lo's showings were a marked improvement. Despite their individual approaches—Tan through digital outreach and platform-building, Lo through ground campaigning and community presence—both are seen as part of a broader evolution in Singapore's political landscape. As public awareness of local and national policy issues grows, independents who articulate focused, relatable messages may gain further traction, especially if voters begin to look past traditional assumptions about party infrastructure.
AsiaOne
07-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use new-found platforms to speak up on issues, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - The two independent candidates who contested the May 3 election intend to use their new-found platforms to engage with Singaporeans on local and national issues, even though neither was elected. Mountbatten candidate Jeremy Tan, 34, told The Straits Times on May 5 that he has not ruled out contesting the next general election. Mr Darryl Lo, 28, who contested in Radin Mas, was coy about his plans, saying he was unsure if he would continue being involved in politics. Political observers said the pair - part of an "evolving profile" of political independents - had polled better than expected, and were able to put their views across coherently during their campaigns. They also noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo performed better at the ballot box than some candidates from small opposition parties fielded in single seats. Mr Tan, a retired business owner, ran against maritime lawyer Gho Sze Kee from the ruling PAP in Mountbatten. Both are political newcomers. Mr Tan polled 36.16 per cent - the highest vote share for an independent candidate since the 1972 General Election, when independent Ng Teng Kian garnered 41.87 per cent of the vote in Punggol. Mr Tan said he spent about $17,000 on his campaign, including $10,000 on the stage and set-up for his rally. Mr Lo, a law graduate who worked in the technology sector, was in a three-cornered race for Radin Mas. He was up against the PAP's Mr Melvin Yong - who has held the seat since 2020 - and Mr Kumar Appavoo of the People's Alliance for Reform, who had contested Radin Mas twice before, in 2015 and 2020. Mr Yong retained his seat in 2025, while Mr Lo garnered 23.47 per cent of the vote, surpassing Mr Kumar, who polled 7.36 per cent. [[nid:717738]] Mr Tan and Mr Lo fared better than candidates from small opposition parties, including Ms Kala Manickam from Red Dot United, who won 19.49 per cent of the vote in Jurong Central. Mr Tan said he plans to use his social media platforms to discuss issues that interest him. These may include the rise of autism and pets on public transport, as he feels strongly about these issues and has received public feedback on them. He also intends to speak up about issues such as the impact of the US tariffs on Singapore. Mr Tan has around 19,400 followers on Instagram. Encouraged by the positive response from voters who were willing to give him a chance, Mr Tan said he saw this as a "positive sign" to work on municipal issues. [[nid:717744]] He plans to prioritise raising funds for and calling attention to the plight of low-income households in Mountbatten and Marine Parade. He is also talking to some opposition parties that are regrouping to determine their future. Mr Lo, meanwhile, said his goal was to deny Mr Yong an increased vote share in Radin Mas, and he is happy he did so. Mr Yong garnered 74.01 per cent of the vote in 2020 against Mr Kumar, who received 25.99 per cent. In 2025, Mr Yong received 69.17 per cent of the vote. On outperforming Mr Kumar in 2025 by about 16 percentage points, Mr Lo said: "It shows that the residents are looking for someone who is more credible. Just because you have been in politics for the past 10 years and participated in the same SMC doesn't mean that your vote share (is guaranteed)." Mr Lo said he spent around $12,000 on his campaign, of which almost $8,000 went to the printing of fliers and posters. He has about 6,000 followers on Instagram. [[nid:717701]] Mr Lo said he plans to use his platform to talk about politics and issues being debated in Parliament. He will also write about municipal issues in Radin Mas, such as the cleanliness of the Bukit Purmei area, where he lives, and having a dog run in the constituency. Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab research fellow Teo Kay Key said Mr Tan's and Mr Lo's results show that they were perceived to be sufficiently credible, and their policies resonated with some voters. Mr Tan advocated the termination of Housing Board flats being used as retirement assets and for digital currency Bitcoin to be incorporated into Singapore's financial system. Mr Lo campaigned for harsher penalties for drink drivers and for singles above 21 years old to be allowed to buy HDB flats, among other things. Dr Teo added that both candidates positioned themselves as independent of party whips, which may have led voters to think that they could champion issues they believed in. She noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo were "different types of independent candidates" from those who contested previous elections. They offered "rational perspectives" and concrete suggestions, instead of merely criticising and opposing the Government. Both men performed significantly better than other independents in the last two elections. In GE2020, independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah received 2.78 per cent of the vote in Pioneer. Mr Samir Salim Neji obtained 0.6 per cent of the vote in Bukit Batok in GE2015, while in that election, Ms Han Hui Hui won 10.03 per cent of the vote in Radin Mas. Independent political observer Felix Tan said Mr Tan and Mr Lo were well-spoken, more sensible, rational and able to articulate their thoughts more coherently. Dr Tan noted that their relative success signals that voters may not see how partisan politics - supporting various political parties - was necessarily beneficial. He also attributed the independents' positive results to their strong political conviction to help Singaporeans and their neutrality, given that they were not entering politics to ensure the survival of any political party. "There are voters who are very tired of the same gimmicks that political parties use to articulate their stance," said Dr Tan. He added that the independents were "far more knowledgeable" than some members from smaller political parties, which was why voters, especially younger ones, were more willing to support them. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst and SMU law don, said the Singaporean electorate "does not automatically write off independent candidates, contrary to popular belief". "The evolving profile of such independents is a welcome development," he added. He believes more individuals will seriously consider running as independents in the next election, going by the relative success of the two men this time. On why voters may have chosen to cast their ballots for independents, Prof Tan said it boils down to "choice". If the PAP and Singapore's main opposition party, the WP, were in a straight fight in a constituency, the independent's appeal may be significantly reduced. "But where you just have the PAP, and the independent candidate is perceived to be credible, then voters see themselves as having a real choice." On what the independent candidates' results spell for smaller opposition parties, Prof Tan said smaller parties are "facing the existential issue of political relevance". This election has shown that independents can be competitive even against party candidates, and where there are strong independents, those from smaller parties will struggle even more to be competitive and electable. "The smaller parties' struggle for relevance... is made more stark by independent candidates performing better," he said. This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use newfound platforms to speak up on issues
Mr Darryl Lo and Mr Jeremy Tan meeting after the rally at Home of Athletics on May 1. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE GE2025: Independents Jeremy Tan, Darryl Lo plan to use newfound platforms to speak up on issues SINGAPORE – The two independent candidates who contested the May 3 election intend to use their newfound platforms to engage with Singaporeans on local and national issues, even though neither was elected. Mountbatten candidate Jeremy Tan , 34 , told The Straits Times on May 5 he has not ruled out contesting the next general election. Mr Darryl Lo , 28 , who contested in Radin Mas, was coy about his plans, saying he was unsure if he would continue being involved in politics. Political observers said the pair - part of an 'evolving profile' of political independents - had polled better than expected , and were able to put their views across coherently during their campaigns. They also noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo performed better at the ballot box than some candidates from small opposition parties fielded in single seats. Mr Tan, a retired business owner, ran against maritime lawyer Gho Sze Kee from the ruling PAP in Mountbatten. Both are political newcomers. Mr Tan polled 36.16 per cent - the highest vote share for an independent candidate since the 1972 general election, when independent Ng Teng Kian garnered 41.87 per cent of the vote in Punggol. Mr Tan said he spent about $17,000 on his campaign, including $10,000 on the stage and set-up for his rally. Mr Lo , a law graduate who worked in the technology sector, was in a three-cornered race for Radin Mas. He was up against the PAP's Mr Melvin Yong - who has held the seat since 2020 - and Mr Kumar Appavoo of the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) , who contested Radin Mas twice before, in 2015 and 2020 . Mr Yong retained his seat in 2025, while Mr Lo garnered 23.47 per cent of the vote , surpassing Mr Kumar, who polled 7.36 per cent. Mr Tan and Mr Lo fared better than candidates from small opposition parties, including Ms Kala Manickam from Red Dot United, who won 19.49 per cent of the vote in Jurong Central. Mr Tan said he plans to use his social media platforms to discuss issues that interest him. These may include the rise of autism and pets on public transport, as he feels strongly about these issues and has received public feedback on them. He also intends to speak up about issues such as the impact of the US tariffs on Singapore. Mr Tan has around 19,400 followers on Instagram. Encouraged by the positive response from voters who were willing to give him a chance, Mr Tan said he saw this as a 'positive sign' to work on municipal issues. Mr Tan plans to prioritise raising funds for and calling attention to the plight of low-income households in Mountbatten and Marine Parade. He is also talking to some opposition parties that are regrouping to determine their future. Mr Lo, meanwhile, said his goal was to deny Mr Yong an increased vote share in Radin Mas, and he is happy he did so. Mr Yong garnered 74.01 per cent of the vote in 2020 against Mr Kumar, who received 25.99 per cent. In 2025, Mr Yong received 69.17 per cent of the vote. On outperforming Mr Kumar in 2025 by about 16 percentage points, Mr Lo said: 'It shows that the residents are looking for someone who is more credible. Just because you have been in politics for the past 10 years and participated in the same SMC doesn't mean that your vote share (is guaranteed).' Mr Lo said he spent around $12,000 on his campaign, of which almost $8,000 went to the printing of fliers and posters. He has about 6,000 followers on Instagram. Mr Lo said he plans to use his platform to talk about politics and issues being debated in Parliament. He will also write about municipal issues in Radin Mas, such as the cleanliness of the Bukit Purmei area, where he lives, and having a dog run in the constituency. Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab research fellow Teo Kay Key said Mr Tan's and Mr Lo's results show that they were perceived to be sufficiently credible and their policies resonated with some voters. This was also because they focused on local issues affecting residents, since they lived within or near the constituencies they contested. Mr Tan advocated the termination of Housing Board flats being used as retirement assets and for digital currency Bitcoin to be incorporated into Singapore's financial system. Mr Lo campaigned for harsher penalties for drink drivers and singles above 21 years old to be allowed to buy HDB flats, among other things. Dr Teo added that both candidates positioned themselves as independent of party whips, which may have led voters to think that they could champion issues they believed in. She noted that Mr Tan and Mr Lo were 'different types of independent candidates' from those who contested previous elections . They offered 'rational perspectives' and concrete suggestions, instead of merely criticising and opposing the G overnment. Both men performed significantly better than other independents in the last two elections. In GE2020 , independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah received 2.78 per cent of the vote in Pioneer . Mr Samir Salim Neji obtained 0.6 per cent of the vote in Bukit Batok in GE2015, while in that election, Ms Han Hui Hui won 10.03 per cent of the vote in Radin Mas. Independent political observer Felix Tan said Mr Tan and Mr Lo were well-spoken, more sensible, rational and able to articulate their thoughts more coherently. Dr Tan noted that their relative success signals that voters may not see how partisan politics – supporting various political parties – was necessarily beneficial . He also attributed the independents' positive results to their strong political conviction to help Singaporeans and their neutrality, given that they were not entering politics to ensure the survival of any political party. 'There are voters who are very tired of the same gimmicks that political parties use to articulate their stance,' said Dr Tan. H e added that they were 'far more knowledgeable' than some members from smaller political parties, which was why voters, especially the younger ones, were more willing to support them. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst and Singapore Management University law don, said the Singaporean electorate 'does not automatically write off independent candidates, contrary to popular belief'. 'The evolving profile of such independents is a welcom e development,' he added. He believes more individuals will seriously consider running as independen ts in the next election, going by the relative success of the two men this time. On why voters may have chosen to cast their ballots for independen ts , Prof Tan said it boils down to 'choice'. If the PAP and Singapore's main opposition party, WP, were in a straight fight in a constituency, the independent's appeal may be significantly reduced. 'But where you just have the PAP, and the independent candidate is perceived to be credible, then voters see themselves as having a real choice.' On what the independent candidates' results spell for smaller opposition parties , Prof Tan said smaller parties are 'facing the existential issue of political relevance'. This election has shown that independents can be competitive even against party candidates, and where there are strong independents , those from smaller parties will struggle even more to be competitive and electable. 'The smaller parties' struggle for relevance… is made more stark by independent candidates performing better,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
