GE2020: PSP team will go further in the next election, says Tan Cheng Bock

THE Progress Singapore Party (PSP) will go further in the next election, said the party's secretary general Tan Cheng Bock, adding that he was proud of the party's performance.

Speaking at a press conference held at PSP's headquarters early Saturday morning, he said: "It's the beginning of a new chapter for PSP.

"If you look at the level of support given to PSP candidates…I am quite proud of their performance."

He went on to add: "We are not deterred by this disappointment because I think the team I have built will go further in the next election."

In response to a question from the media, Dr Tan reiterated that he would not take up a seat in Parliament as a Non-Constituency MP, but that two of his party members might. He also said the party will continue to work in the constituencies that it stood for in this election.

All in, PSP fielded 24 candidates for four GRCs - West Coast, Tanjong Pagar, Chua Chu Kang and Nee Soon - and five SMCs. The five SMCs are Yio Chu Kang, Marymount, Kebun Baru, Hong Kah North and Pioneer.

PSP did not win any seats but the fight for West Coast GRC was a tight one, with the People's Action Party - led by Minister S Iswaran - winning 51.7 per cent of the votes, edging out the PSP team that garnered 48.3 per cent of the votes. It was the narrowest win for the ruling party in GE2020.

Dr Tan said too that the PSP was looking into the rules of polling day as to whether it was proper to make the extension.

Earlier on Friday, the PSP had criticised the last-minute decision by the Elections Department of Singapore to extend voting hours by two hours, which it described as "highly irregular". PSP added that it could compromise the integrity of the process. In the statement, it said: "Bad planning and rushing through the democratic process undermine the legitimacy of our democracy."

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

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