Ready, Set, Politics: A No‑Bull Guide to Singapore’s Political Landscape
Think you know the big names like PAP and WP? Great! You’re about to meet the rest of the squad—RP, PSP, SDP, and a handful of quirky parties that might turn up in the next general election.
Why the Big Three Might Not Be All You Need
- PAP (People’s Action Party) – the boss that’s been running Singapore since the day it was born.
- WP (Workers’ Party) – the party that keeps the opposition ~ loud and tough.
- And then… what’s up with RP, PSP, and SDP?
Caught in a Name‑Game?
If acronyms like RP, PSP, and SDP feel like cryptic puzzle pieces, you’re in the right spot. We’re about to break it all down for you.
In a Nutshell (and a Hug)
By the end of this read, you’ll know who’s running in the next election and what they stand for. Whether you’re a political newbie or just curious about the longest‑serving opposition MP Chiam See Tong, you’ll get the low‑down.
Meet the Genuinely Inconsequential but Surprisingly Worth‑Viewing Parties
- RP (Red‑Ball Party) – believes in a bold: If you saw a red ball, you’re probably a fan of random hats. (Just kidding, they champion environmental policies.
- PSP (Peaceful Society Party) – staying calm and peaceful. Their platform? Less strife, more pies
- SDP (Sports Development Party) – focuses on bringing sporting opportunities to every playground (no actual sports, but they vow to add.
Who’s Running and What’s Their Game Plan?
- PAP – “We’re already running Singapore. We’ll keep running.
- WP – “We’ll make sure you’re aware that we think about the people, not the money.”
- All other tiny parties – “We’re still here, because why not, right?
And yes, the longest‑serving opposition MP is Chiam See Tong—though you can’t possibly have forgotten this legendary figure. If yes, that’s fine—history is still history.
Wrap‑Up: Ready to Vote for Reality?
Now you know the naming game, the big players, and a few edgy underdogs. Just remember that every candidate aims to be the best you can get. Get out there, question the rules, and maybe—just maybe—have fun while you’re at it.
Singapore People’s Party
Who Put These Singaporean Rebels Together?
Picture this: a bunch of political veterans grinding a hard‑won battle inside the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and deciding they’d rather dance on their own beats. That’s exactly what happened in 1994 when Sin Kek Tong put the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) on the map.
The Early Bunch – Breaking Up to Build a New Club
- Sin kicked off SPP as a splinter group after a grudge‑piled war between Chiam and his protege, Chee Soon Juan.
- While Sin ran the ship carrying Chiam’s flavour of SPP, Chiam himself left SDP in 1996 and took the helm solo.
- Fast‑forward to 2001, SPP & four other opposition outfits joined forces to create the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), the first & only official political coalition in the country.
- Chiam told reporters, “We’re showing the opposition can collaborate. Let’s get to know each other better, then maybe unite under a fresh banner.”
After the Union: Why CHA”-chopped It?
SIN left SDA in 2011 when the alliance’s Central Executive Committee voted to ditch Chiam from his chairman role. Even after this split, Chiam stayed in charge of SPP until 2019 when Steve Chia, formerly the National Solidarity Party’s secretary‑general, took the reins.
What’s the Party’s Playbook?
From its inception, SPP described itself as the “moderate version” of the SDP. Today, its mission is to be a “constructive, valid voice for every Singaporean” and the “people’s mouthpiece” under the PAP’s majority.
“A Better Tomorrow”: The 2025 Manifesto in a Nutshell
- Drop the voting age to 18, so kids can actually get involved.
- No more GST hikes – keep the tax machine in check.
- Introduce a national minimum wage so the earn‑money life isn’t a nightmare.
- Force every listed company to reveal its carbon footprint and divest from fossil‑fuel fiends.
- Boost subsidies for mental‑health care; people’s minds matter too!
Where Will They Show Up?
SPP is rolling out the red carpet in two key spots for this election:
- Potong Pasir SMC – Cha’s old stomping ground. The new commander, Jose Raymond, is set to take the seat.
- Bishan‑Toa Payoh GRC – Chris “Captain” Chia leads a crack squad including vice‑chairman Williamson Lee, Osman Sulaiman, and Melvyn Chiu.
The Hall‑of‑Fame Dicey Moments
Back in the day, SPP was Singapore’s biggest opposition party inside Parliament. In 2001, Chiam snagged a Potong Pasir seat and Chia grabbed a Non‑Constituency MP role. The only other opposition voice then was WP’s Low Thia Khiang.
Fast forward: SPP’s luck faded in the 2011 & 2015 polls. The upcoming sixth election will feature SPP’s smallest squad since 1997. Though they flirted with Marymount & Mountbatten earmarks in March, supply‑chain woes forced them to drop those wards.
Other Players in the Mix
Here’s the crop of parties you’re likely to see on the ballot:
- People’s Action Party (PAP)
- Workers’ Party (WP)
- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
- Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)
- National Solidarity Party (NSP)
Keep an eye on the next round of stories – we’ll be shining the spotlight on the Reform Party next.
