The political landscape in Singapore is shifting as the People’s Power Party (PPP) has officially withdrawn from the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR), a coalition formed with the Peoples Voice (PV), Reform Party (RP), and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This announcement was made by PPP Secretary-General Goh Meng Seng on Saturday, 22 February 2024, citing “irreconcilable strategic differences” as the reason for the departure.
Reasons Behind the Departure
In his Facebook post, Goh explained that the decision aims to prevent unnecessary disruptions within the alliance as it prepares for the upcoming General Election (GE) in 2025. He expressed disappointment over the current situation, stating, “We have reached a consensus that it would be a better option for PPP to withdraw from PAR.”
- Goh noted the importance of unity among opposition parties since the establishment of PPP in 2015.
- He stressed that this choice was made to enhance PAR’s effectiveness ahead of the elections.
Coalition Dynamics
Lim Tean, Secretary-General of PV and the alliance, responded to PPP’s withdrawal, highlighting disputes over candidate selection and differing views on health policies. He mentioned that PPP insisted on contesting in Tampines GRC, which the other three parties opposed due to potential electoral fragmentation.
Lim also remarked on the PPP’s stance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, which had led to disagreements that further strained relations within the coalition. He affirmed that PAR is a “true coalition” committed to a common manifesto for GE2025, as opposed to being a mere informal gathering.
Future Prospects
Both parties extended good wishes to each other for the upcoming election, noting the potential for future collaborations if opportunities arise. As they part ways, Goh assured PPP supporters of their commitment to forming a capable team to contest in the elections, emphasizing a focus on representing Singaporeans in Parliament.
As the political arena continues to evolve, the implications of this decision will be closely monitored as Singapore gears up for GE2025.