GE2025: Resignations and New Faces

With Singapore’s next General Election (GE) required to be held by November, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has begun familiarizing new candidates in select constituencies. Since the release of the Election Department’s report on Singapore's new electoral boundaries, six senior public servants resigned, fueling speculation that they are preparing to contest in the upcoming GE. Of the lot, the most senior civil servant who stepped down is Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Trade and Industry, Jeffrey Siow, who assumed this role in September 2024. Other resignations include senior officials from agencies such as the Agency for Integrated Care, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Ministry of Transport and the Singapore Armed Forces. The PAP has been known to select new candidates from the public service. Those who are chosen to run will step down a few months before the GE as they are prohibited from engaging in political activities while in service.

In addition to this, fresh faces have been actively engaging residents and speaking to the media alongside current PAP MPs. The PAP's slate for the 2025 GE is shaping up to be younger and more diverse, with around 40% of new candidates being women. The potential candidates come from both the public and private sectors, with an average age of 40. As polling day draws closer, the party is expected to formally introduce its candidates and their contested wards soon. The PAP's strategy to field younger and more female candidates aims to ensure its leadership stability and continuity amidst evolving social dynamics. This shift could help the 4G leaders build stronger connections with younger voters, who will be crucial in future elections.