People’s Power Party Breaks Away—Does It Even Matter?

Singapore’s opposition has long struggled to make headway. Despite the country’s multiparty system, elections reliably return the People’s Action Party (PAP) to power, while opposition groups secure only a handful of the 93 elected seats. The PAP has benefited from this persistent weakness. Years of infighting have prevented rival parties from mounting a serious electoral challenge, turning each election into a routine endorsement of the status quo. With the next general election expected in November 2025—though an earlier date remains possible—a major shift appears unlikely. Now, another episode of opposition discord is unfolding. The People’s Power Party (PPP) has withdrawn from its four-party alliance with the People’s Voice (PV), the Reform Party (RP), and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), leaving yet another fractured coalition to limp toward the polls. If history is any indication, the outcome is already determined.

The Four-Party Alliance

Last year, four opposition parties—People’s Voice (PV), the Reform Party (RP), the People’s Power Party (PPP), and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)—formed the People’s Alliance in an effort to coordinate ahead of the next general election, which must be held by November 2025. Yet, none of these parties secured a single seat in the last election. Meanwhile, the only opposition groups with parliamentary representation—the Workers’ Party (WP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP)—kept their distance, leaving the alliance without a broader coalition. Still, in a political landscape where opposition parties have limited influence, forming alliances was a strategic move to consolidate support, strengthen their presence in key constituencies, and gradually chip away at the PAP’s dominance.

PPP Leave the Alliance

On February 22, the People’s Power Party (PPP) announced its withdrawal from the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR) in a Facebook post by its secretary-general, Goh Meng Seng. Goh, who also served as PAR’s organizing secretary, described the decision as the result of an impasse with the alliance’s other parties. Citing irreconcilable strategic differences over the 2025 general election, he stated that both PPP and the alliance had agreed that withdrawal was the best course of action. He emphasized that this move would enable PAR to function more effectively in the upcoming election without disruptions caused by fundamental disagreements between PPP and its former allies.

PPP’s departure from the alliance does not signal its withdrawal from the election. The party plans to release its manifesto in March, outlining its positions on vaccination policies and family values. Goh stated that the manifesto would take a pro-family stance and oppose the LGBT agenda, a position gaining traction globally, particularly with Donald Trump’s return to office.

PPP has set its sights on Tampines, Nee Soon, and Ang Mo Kio GRCs, as well as Yio Chu Kang SMC, for the upcoming election. In 2020, Goh was the party’s sole candidate, contesting MacPherson, where he secured 28.26% of the vote against incumbent Tin Pei Ling of the ruling People’s Action Party.

The party, however, is not solely reliant on Goh. One of its key figures, Peter Soh—a PPP member and the alliance’s vice-chairman—will step down from his position following the party’s exit from PAR. Other prominent members of the alliance’s central executive committee include Yasmine Valentina, head of the Reform Party’s women’s wing, who serves as assistant secretary-general.

The Alliance’s Reaction

PV secretary-general Lim Tean, who also serves as the alliance’s secretary-general, attributed PPP’s withdrawal to internal conflicts within the coalition. On February 23, he stated that PPP had insisted on contesting Tampines GRC—a move opposed by PV, RP, and DPP, who feared a four-cornered fight in the constituency.

In a Facebook post, Lim also pointed to disagreements over PPP’s stance on COVID-19 vaccination. In 2024, PPP had repeatedly called for suspending COVID-19 vaccinations, prompting rebuttals from the Ministry of Health.

Citing these differences, Lim said the alliance and PPP had mutually agreed to part ways. His statement came shortly after he was sentenced on February 17 to six weeks in jail and fined $1,000 for practicing law without a valid certificate in 2021.

During a walkabout in Tampines on February 23, PPP’s secretary-general, Goh Meng Seng, clarified that the party is not anti-vaccine but instead advocates for what he called “pro-safe vax” policies. He emphasized that PPP opposes mandatory vaccination but does not reject vaccines outright. According to Goh, Lim and Kenneth Jeyaretnam—RP’s secretary-general and the alliance’s chairman—viewed PPP’s position as too controversial, further deepening divisions within the alliance.

Implications for Singapore Politics

As Singapore nears the general election, several factors will influence voter sentiment. The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) could face a dip in support under its new leader, Lawrence Wong, who lacks direct ties to the Lee family dynasty. Moreover, some disillusioned young voters remain unconvinced despite Wong’s social media efforts. However, in the end, a fractured opposition is likely to work in the PAP’s favor.

The Workers’ Party (WP), the strongest opposition force, has been weakened by its leader’s conviction for lying. While some view him as a martyr, his ability to challenge the PAP remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), the third-largest opposition party with parliamentary representation, is expected to compete more with WP than with PAP, drawing votes from WP rather than posing a serious challenge to the ruling party’s dominance.

For smaller opposition parties, alliances often serve as a means to secure parliamentary seats for their leaders rather than to mount a genuine challenge to the PAP. In this context, the latest split—particularly the People’s Power Party’s (PPP) departure—will likely have little impact on the election. However, each fractured coalition further weakens the opposition’s standing in Singapore’s political landscape.