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Big Changes in East Coast GRC Ahead of GE2025
Singapore’s East Coast GRC is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about constituencies in the upcoming General Election 2025, with significant political shifts and new challengers entering the scene.
PAP: New Leadership After Heng Swee Keat’s Exit
After nearly 15 years in politics, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat is stepping down. In his place, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong will lead the People’s Action Party (PAP) team in East Coast. He will be joined by Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How and other experienced PAP members, signaling a refreshed but seasoned team.
WP: Yee Jenn Jong Returns to the Fray
The Workers’ Party (WP) has brought back Yee Jenn Jong, a former Non-Constituency MP (NCMP), to head its team in East Coast. This marks his political return, and expectations are high. In the 2020 General Election, WP garnered an impressive 46.6% of the vote, putting the PAP on edge and making this rematch one to watch closely.
MVP: A New Party on the Horizon
Adding to the excitement, a new party known as the Minority Voices Party (MVP) has announced it will contest in East Coast GRC. The MVP is a one-man party and is relatively unknown to voters, but its entry introduces a fresh element to an already competitive constituency. Details about the candidate and their platform are still developing.
🗺️ Changes to Constituency Boundaries
East Coast GRC continues to be a five-member constituency, but the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee has redrawn its lines. The area has absorbed 15 polling districts from Marine Parade GRC, including parts of Chai Chee and Siglap. Meanwhile, Loyang and Flora have been transferred to the newly created Pasir Ris–Changi GRC.
These changes could affect voter distribution and impact party strategies during the campaign.
🏘️ Who Lives in East Coast GRC?
As of June 2024, East Coast GRC is home to about 180,130 people. Approximately 67.4% live in HDB flats, while 31.2% reside in private properties, reflecting a mix of income levels and community profiles. The GRC includes well-known areas such as Bedok, Changi Simei, Fengshan, Kampong Chai Chee, and Siglap.
🔍 What Matters Most to Voters?
Residents in East Coast have voiced strong concerns about rising costs of living, job security, and housing affordability. These are likely to be key talking points throughout the campaign period. With such a narrow margin in the last election, all parties are expected to increase ground outreach and connect with voters on everyday issues.
