GE2025: Defeated WP candidate Andre Low thanks residents for support after narrow loss in Jalan Kayu

SINGAPORE – WP candidate Andre Low expected his first electoral campaign to be tough when he went up against labour chief and former Cabinet minister Ng Chee Meng in the Jalan Kayu single seat.

Mr Ng, 56,

edged out Mr Low at the ballot box with 51.47 per cent

of the vote on May 3.

Despite his defeat, Mr Low said he was thankful for the support from residents and is proud of what his team achieved in a constituency newly carved out of Ang Mo Kio GRC.

He said: “I always knew it was going to be close. It would be fine margins, and unfortunately, it didn’t swing our way. The starting point was a tough climb, and I’m very proud of my team and my volunteers who came together. We ran a strong campaign, and we fell just short.”

Less than twelve hours after the election results were announced, Mr Low, 33, was back in Jalan Kayu early in the morning on May 4 and made his way around the estate to thank residents. Residents leaned out of their windows to shout “Workers’ Party!” and waved at Mr Low, who travelled in an open-top vehicle. Some residents waved a toy hammer, the symbol of the WP.

“I really feel the warmth of Jalan Kayu residents, who’ve been very welcoming,” he said.

On the roads, drivers wound down their windows to give a thumbs-up sign when they passed Mr Low, and more than a few offered words of encouragement. Others honked their car horns.

When asked for his views on why the vote count tipped in favour of Mr Ng, he said: “It’s very difficult to speculate, whether one thing or another swayed things in either direction... We put together a good campaign, and almost half of Jalan Kayu residents preferred the message that I brought to the table, and so for that, I’m very, very grateful.”

With the election over, the lawyer turned tech professional said he has not decided on his next step. It is likely the WP will be offered two Non-Constituency MP seats, with Mr Low and the Tampines GRC team securing the highest vote shares among the losing candidates.

The WP Tampines team garnered 47.37 per cent of the vote, losing a four-cornered fight to the winning PAP team.

As for taking up an NCMP seat, Mr Low said it was not just his decision to make.

“When we’ve all had some time to breathe, for myself, the Tampines team, party leadership – after we’ve had some time to decompress and digest the results, we’ll have a conversation, and then we’ll make a decision.”

He said: “If I get the blessing of the party leadership, I would love to remain here and stay on the ground. This was my first campaign, and I don’t think it will be my last. I would love to step up once more.

“We came so close this time. With five more years of experience and work on the ground under my belt, I think I’ll be able to contribute that much more.”