GRCs in 2025: A Surge in Multi-Way Battles?

Singapore’s next general election is set to witness an unprecedented wave of multi-cornered contests, with at least six Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) drawing interest from multiple opposition parties. Ten opposition parties have already declared their intention to run, including three under the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR), highlighting the deepening fragmentation within the opposition.

As these factions compete for influence, they show little strategic awareness, overlooking the voting patterns of a city-state with fewer than six million people. Their inability—or reluctance—to unify leaves them ill-equipped to challenge the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore since independence. For many voters, the hope of a viable opposition capable of shifting the status quo grows ever more elusive.

Crowded GRCs

Singapore’s political landscape is overcrowded, with too many parties competing for limited electoral space. Now, opposition parties are setting the stage for multi-cornered contests in five GRCs—Ang Mo Kio, Nee Soon, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Sembawang, and Tanjong Pagar—where they will challenge the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in three-way fights. Tampines could see an even more fractured race, with four parties vying for dominance.

Analysts suggest that some parties may be staking early claims as a tactical move, using constituencies as bargaining chips in negotiations. Once electoral boundaries are finalized, they often engage in horse-trading, striking deals to consolidate their positions.

Everyone wants a piece

The prospect of multi-way contests gained urgency over the weekend after People’s Power Party (PPP) chief Goh Meng Seng announced his party’s withdrawal from the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR) and declared its intention to contest Tampines, Nee Soon, and Ang Mo Kio GRCs, along with the single-seat Yio Chu Kang. If electoral boundaries remain unchanged, PPP—founded in 2015—plans to field 16 candidates in the upcoming election.

PAR is now an alliance of People’s Voice (PV), the Reform Party (RP), and the Democratic Progressive Party. It appears to have exited Pasir Ris-Punggol and Ang Mo Kio GRCs. Instead, it has moved into new battlegrounds, staking claims in Tanjong Pagar GRC—where RDU is also active—as well as Marymount, Kebun Baru, and Potong Pasir SMCs, all of which have drawn interest from other opposition parties. On February 23, PAR leader and PV chief Lim Tean announced that his party would field a strong candidate in Potong Pasir, where the SPP continues to contest. He was also seen in Jalan Besar GRC, Mountbatten SMC—where PV previously ran—and Radin Mas SMC, where RP fielded a candidate in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) remains firm in its plan to contest Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and appears unfazed by the likelihood of a multi-cornered fight.

Red Dot United (RDU), which contested only Jurong GRC in the last election, has since expanded its presence to Nee Soon GRC, Tanjong Pagar GRC, Radin Mas SMC, and Yuhua SMC. Party leader Ravi Philemon stated that RDU intends to field at least 12 candidates—more than double the five it fielded in 2020—and contest at least four constituencies. He noted that the specific constituencies would depend on the EBRC report but said the party is currently most active in Jurong, Yishun, and Redhill. Philemon refrained from commenting on multi-way fights, calling such discussions premature. He stressed that RDU does not want to fuel speculation before the EBRC report is released but noted that RDU, along with the National Solidarity Party (NSP), the Singapore United Party (SUP), and the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), had agreed to avoid overlapping contests.

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) announced on February 26 that it would disclose its electoral plans only after an election date is set. On February 23, party chairman Tan Cheng Bock urged opposition parties to carefully consider avoiding multi-way contests. PSP appears to be the only opposition party reducing its presence, potentially cutting its slate from 24 to 12 seats based on the constituencies it is currently active in compared to 2020.

Meanwhile, under existing electoral boundaries, five opposition parties—including WP and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)—are expected to expand their reach, while three are likely to maintain their level of participation. A new entrant, the Singapore United Party (SUP), has announced plans to contest seven seats across Ang Mo Kio GRC, Yio Chu Kang SMC, and Kebun Baru SMC. Led by former RP members Andy Zhu and Darren Soh, SUP adds yet another competitor to an already crowded field.

Making it easy for the PAP

A party that has governed for 60 years is more than just a political organization—it is an institution. The People’s Action Party (PAP) has cemented its place in Singapore’s political system, wielding significant influence and maintaining a well-oiled governance structure. While it benefits from structural advantages, its continued dominance is also a product of strategic effort and discipline.

The 2025 general election will be a defining moment, serving as the first major test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who leads the PAP beyond the Lee family’s long-standing political legacy. The contest is shaping up as PAP versus a divided opposition, but fragmentation remains the opposition’s biggest weakness. While many recognize that a united front could mount a stronger challenge, multi-way contests seem inevitable. With more parties entering the race to expand their reach, the result is a further splintering of votes—ultimately reinforcing PAP’s hold on power.