A Game-Changing Lineup for GE2025!

SINGAPORE: Mark your calendars! The People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) is gearing up for the upcoming General Election with a bold strategy, introducing 14 candidates across seven constituencies, as announced by secretary-general Lim Tean on April 18.

The targeted constituencies include the bustling Jalan Besar and Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and the competitive Mountbatten, Potong Pasir, Queenstown, Radin Mas, and Yio Chu Kang Single Member Constituencies (SMCs). However, the PAR has opted out of the Marymount, Jalan Kayu, and Kebun Baru SMCs, explaining this decision came after careful consideration of other parties’ movements.

New Faces, New Hope!

Introducing fresh talent, the PAR unveiled its potential candidate for Queenstown SMC alongside another promising name in its 14-member slate. Notably, Vigneswari V Ramachandran, a passionate early childhood educator aged 43, is aiming for her third election challenge.

Vigneswari first announced her presence in GE2011 with an RP team in Ang Mo Kio GRC, garnering 30.67% of the vote against the powerful People's Action Party (PAP). She returned in GE2020 as part of a PV team in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC but secured only 12.17% in a fierce three-way contest. Optimistically, she reflected on her previous campaign in Jalan Besar where she once resided and expressed her hopes of running there.

Advocating for Change!

Currently pursuing a master's degree in inclusive and special needs education, Vigneswari aims to focus her campaign on educational reforms, notably advocating for free education for all Singaporean children. "It’s crucial to address the funding concerns surrounding special needs education. They are often overlooked due to lack of perceived returns on investment," she passionately stated.

Mr. Lim emphasized that the PAR's platform will distinctly focus on pressing issues: skyrocketing cost of living, housing affordability, job security, essential institutional reforms, and the vital conversation surrounding Singaporean identity in connection to immigration.

Manifesto Innovations and Election Insights!

With the election manifesto on the horizon, slated for release before Nomination Day, the PAR is determined to outline their vision, which includes free healthcare and school meals for every Singaporean child. "The funds are right before our eyes!" Lim asserted, igniting curiosity about the specifics.

In a pointed critique, Mr. Lim dismissed the PAP’s recent manifesto, suggesting their focus on US tariffs was misguided and disconnected from the true concerns of the electorate.

Election Landscape and Strategy!

As the electoral landscape heats up, potential clashes loom large. Both Tanjong Pagar GRC and Jalan Besar GRC are set to see fierce competition, with RDU and NSP entering the fray.

In GE2020, Tanjong Pagar GRC witnessed a direct face-off between the PAP and PSP, with the latter securing only 36.9%. Meanwhile, Jalan Besar GRC, in its previous election cycle, was contested by a PV team led by Lim, which managed 34.64% against the PAP. With 139,688 voters in Tanjong Pagar and 106,102 in Jalan Besar, the stakes are incredibly high for GE2025!

Get ready for an electrifying election battle as PAR and their new faces prepare to challenge the status quo!