NSP will not contest in Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC
The National Solidarity Party (NSP) on a walkabout at Sembawang on Aug 10, 2015. Photo: Robin Choo
SINGAPORE - The National Solidarity Party will not contest in the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency and MacPherson Single Member Constituency in the coming election, it announced today (Aug 10).
By doing so, it will avoid going head-on with the Workers' Party, which had earlier announced its interest in both constituencies.
With the latest decision, NSP will be standing in Sembawang and Tampines GRCs and Pioneer SMC in the coming election.
NSP acting Secretary General Hazel Poa announced the decision to reporters as the party held its first walkabout in Sembawang GRC, which was contested by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) in 2011.
The NSP had wanted to make a joint announcement with the Workers' Party but the latter did not respond and NSP decided not to delay the announcement any further.
In a statement issued to the media, Ms Poa said that subsequent to the first Opposition meeting on Aug 3, "NSP representatives had discussed internally and were prepared to withdraw from Marine Parade GRC, and contest only in 2 GRCs".
"At the meeting on Thursday, SDP announced that they would voluntarily withdraw from Sembawang GRC in the hope that it would help resolve remaining claims. Indeed, this has created room for further compromises amongst the parties present. Eventually, the outcome of the negotiations is that NSP will contest in Tampines and Sembawang GRCs, and Pioneer SMC."
She said: "Had Workers’ Party been present at Thursday’s meeting, this issue could have been resolved and a joint statement issued."
Ms Poa noted that this was a "difficult decision for us to take", however, "multi-cornered contests are likely to dilute opposition votes and reduce the chances of a more diverse Parliament".
"We trust that Workers Party will send in good candidates and give voters in these two constituencies a choice," she said.
In a statement posted on the WP Facebook page, WP chairman Sylvia Lim thanked NSP for "announcing its decision not to contest in MacPherson SMC and Marine Parade GRC early". "WP will continue to focus on its preparations and campaigns on the 10 constituencies announced," she said.
