GE quick takes: Workers' Party to contest four GRCs, two SMCs; more candidates unveiled

SINGAPORE will go to the polls on July 10 in an election in which 93 seats in 31 constituencies will be up for contest.

Here is Thursday's round-up of stories about the General Election (GE):

Singaporeans First party dissolves

The Singaporeans First party founded by former senior civil servant and presidential candidate Tan Jee Say has chosen to dissolve itself, it announced on Thursday afternoon.

ESM Goh Chok Tong will not stand in election, to retire as MP

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that he decided not to stand in the coming election "after much thought and with a heavy heart", adding that he would not have the same energy when he crosses into his 80s.

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Workers' Party's Low Thia Khiang, Chen Show Mao and Png Eng Huat not contesting GE2020

Former Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang and two senior members - Aljunied GRC MP Chen Show Mao and Hougang MP Png Eng Huat - have decided not to take part in the upcoming election.

The WP will be contesting four group representation constituencies (GRC) and two single-member constituencies (SMC) in the election. They will defend their seats in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, and field candidates to contest Marine Parade GRC, Sengkang GRC, East Coast GRC and Punggol West SMC.

PSP presents five more candidates, including two ex-military officers

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) on Thursday presented five more candidates - including two former military officers - who advocated for more job opportunities for Singaporeans, support for small businesses and greater attention to be given to disadvantaged groups.

PAP introduces third, fourth and fifth batches of new candidates

The third batch of new People's Action Party (PAP) candidates comprise four individuals who were all from a modest family background, but have made a mark in contributing to society in areas like healthcare, care for senior Singaporeans and Singapore's digitisation efforts.

In the fourth group, social and community issues are the candidates' focus, and they are driven by a "mission of service to the community".

The PAP's fifth slate comprised three new candidates from law, banking and aviation.

Peoples Voice party to contest five constituencies

The Peoples Voice party will field 12 candidates for the general election and contesting five constituencies, party chief Lim Tean said on Thursday in a Facebook post. The constituencies are Jalan Besar and Pasir-Ris Punggol GRCs, and the single-seat wards of Pioneer, Mountbatten and Punggol West.

PPP's Goh Meng Seng to contest MacPherson SMC, likely to face off PAP's Tin Pei Ling

The People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng on Thursday said he will contest MacPherson SMC, where he is expected to face off against the People's Action Party's Tin Pei Ling.

Don't be afraid to rock the boat, says SDP chief Chee Soon Juan

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan urged Singaporeans not to be afraid to "rock the boat" during uncertain times so that they can send a loud and clear message to the PAP at the coming election.

Parties stake out the ground in a social media-focused election

While GE campaigning has not officially started, Singapore's political parties wasted no time on Wednesday in fanning out across the island to greet voters, distribute leaflets and introduce their prospective candidates - and also reaching out virtually.

An election with plenty at stake for every political party

The ruling PAP is the only party that will contest all 93 seats, and all eyes are on the opposition parties and where they will field their respective candidates. BT looks at what's at stake for each of the parties as they prepare to battle for the votes in the election.

For more of our Singapore GE2020 coverage, go to bt.sg/ge2020