GE2025: RDU exits opposition alliance over NSP’s refusal to back down from 3-way fight

SINGAPORE: Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) has pulled out of The Coalition, citing concerns about the alliance’s commitment to avoiding three-cornered electoral contests.

In a message to the other coalition partners and seen by CNA on Saturday (Apr 12), the party's chairman David Foo said the decision was made “after careful consideration”.

Formed in 2023, The Coalition brought together RDU, National Solidarity Party (NSP), Singapore People's Party (SPP) and Singapore United Party (SUP), with the aim of fostering greater opposition unity and minimising electoral clashes.

In a statement to CNA, RDU secretary-general Ravi Philemon confirmed his party's exit was because of NSP’s decision to enter into a three-cornered fight with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and People’s Action Party (PAP) in Sembawang GRC. 

“The right to contest should not come at the strategic expense of giving the People’s Action Party an even greater advantage. A multi-cornered fight only serves the incumbent,” he added. 

“We believe that the party with the strongest support from the ground, sufficient resources, a message that resonates, and candidates who are reasonable and recognised – should be given the space for a direct contest with the PAP.” 

Voters "should not be forced to decide between choosing the right party, and championing the right of a party to contest", said Mr Philemon, adding that this is why RDU cannot support NSP’s intentions to enter a three-way contest in Sembawang.

Instead, RDU believes SDP is “in a positive position” to serve as the people’s choice, and should be “accorded the benefit of a clean two-way fight” against the incumbent, Mr Philemon added. 

“We are disappointed that NSP has decided to take this route but remain hopeful that they will return to the original values we have collectively established for The Coalition,” said the party chief. 

"INCUMBENT OPPOSITION"

In response to RDU's comments, NSP secretary-general Spencer Ng said his party is the "incumbent opposition" in Sembawang, and has worked the ground for years to understand the needs of residents. 

NSP contested in Sembawang GRC in the past two elections, and SDP contested in the GRC in 2006 and 2011. 

He also questioned the basis of RDU's evaluation of the contest in Sembawang, asking if they "speak for the voters". 

Mr Ng said NSP will stay committed to Sembawang and to The Coalition.

RDU's Dr Foo, in his message to coalition partners, said pulling the party out of the alliance "was not an easy decision". 

One of the “key understandings” when RDU signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was a shared commitment to prevent multi-cornered fights – a principle the party views as vital for opposition unity and electoral clarity, he added.  

“That spirit – of giving voters a clear choice and not splitting the opposition vote – was central to why we joined all of you in this informal partnership,” said Dr Foo. 

“But recent developments have made us question whether all parties still share the same strategic commitment to avoid three-cornered contests – the very principle that first gave rise to this partnership.” 

Dr Foo emphasised that the withdrawal was ultimately about what RDU’s leadership believes is in the best interest of the party. However, it “remains committed to opposition unity”, he said.

"MUTUAL SUPPORT" TO SECURE CONSTITUENCIES

In a joint statement on Saturday evening, the remaining coalition members - NSP, SPP and SUP - expressed "profound disappointment" at RDU's exit. 

They highlighted that under the MOU, coalition parties "agree to refrain from competing against each other in the same constituencies, ensuring a cohesive approach and supporting each other in securing their respective constituencies", among other commitments. 

RDU's claim that NSP had violated this principle by refusing to back down from a 3-way contest in Sembawang "is a misrepresentation of their actions", according to the statement.

It added that NSP "remains fully committed to the MOU’s spirit, working collaboratively to uphold coalition unity". 

The MOU "calls for mutual support to secure constituencies, not retreat under pressure", said the parties, noting that RDU’s abrupt withdrawal is disheartening. 

"Their exit raises questions about their dedication to standing united for Singaporeans when resolve matters most. Opposition unity requires resilience and a shared commitment to our promises."

RDU has announced plans to contest six constituencies: Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Jurong Central SMC, Nee Soon GRC, Jalan Kayu SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.

However, Mr Philemon previously stated that if RDU decides to contest Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, it will not field candidates in Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.

He also said RDU would step aside if SDP chooses to contest Holland-Bukit Timah again. 

RDU may still face competition in Jalan Kayu, Tanjong Pagar and Radin Mas, where another alliance, the People’s Alliance for Reform, has declared its intent to contest.

NSP, SDP TALKS

Earlier on Saturday, Mr Ng told reporters at a walkabout in Sembawang West SMC that the party had met with SDP during the week.

He said SDP had asked his party to consider contesting Holland-Bukit Timah GRC or the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC instead of Sembawang,

But Mr Ng likened that to a man asking his friend if they can exchange wives, saying: "It makes no sense to us to swap your electoral areas like it's just a piece of paper. What is the value of these residents to you?"

Mr Ng added that other parties could decide to contest those GRCs, which would cause a three-way fight anyway. 

"These areas are not yours to offer in the first place. The incumbent is PAP," he said.

Acknowledging that SDP previously contested in Sembawang, Mr Ng said it "abandoned" the constituency in 2015, and NSP has been committed to it since. 

Last month, SDP chief Chee Soon Juan announced that he would stand for election Sembawang West SMC. Bukit Batok SMC, which Dr Chee contested in the 2016 by-election and the 2020 General Election, was absorbed into Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC this year.

On Saturday, a team from SDP was spotted at Woodlands Mart at the same time as NSP's walkabout.

When asked if NSP feels it needs to help other opposition parties given the situation, Mr Ng said "gerrymandering" is something that a "respectable or established opposition party should expect".

"If you cannot be ready for such a small thing like electoral map changes, how can you be ready to handle the changes that face Singapore daily?" he asked.