The Singapore Democratic Alliance (abbrev: SDA; Chinese: 新加坡民主联盟) is an alliance of political parties in Singapore. It was formed just months before the 2001 General Elections to form a common opposition front against the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by the current head of the Singapore People's Party and Member of Parliament Chiam See Tong. The constituent parties are:

• Singapore Malay National Organization
• Singapore People's Party
• Singapore Justice Party

The SDA currently has 1 member in parliament, Chiam See Tong of the Singapore People's Party.

People

• Chairman: Chiam See Tong
• Vice-chairman: Ali Bin Asjadi
• Secretary General: Lim Bak Chuan Desmond

Singapore general election, 2001

The SDA faced its 1st challenge in the 2001 elections. It fielded 13 candidates in 2 GRCs and 3 SMCs, becoming the leading opposition party, ahead of the Singapore Democratic party. When the results came out, the SDA was the leading opposition party, securing 12.0% out of the 675,306 who were voting. It kept Potong Pasir SMC, where Mr Chiam See Tong won by 751 votes.

Singapore general election, 2006

On 16 April 2006, SDA announced that in the upcoming election, it was aiming to win 15 seats in the coming General Election. The SDA also wants to set up a viable shadow Cabinet if it wins two GRCs and four single-seat wards. The target was outlined in a soft launch of its manifesto online, on the website of the Singapore People's Party (SPP).

The SDA had candidates running for 3 GRCs and 4 SMCs. They are Jalan Besar GRC, Tampines GRC, Pasir Ris-Ponggol GRC, Chua Chu Kang SMC, Yio Chu Kang SMC, MacPherson SMC and Potong Pasir SMC, of which only Potong Pasir is held by Mr Chiam. In total, the SDA contested 20 seats. What is notable is that most of the areas contested by the SDA lies in the north-eastern part of Singapore.

SDA Chairman, Mr Chiam See Tong, read the political broadcast for the SDA on 29 April. Chiam pointed out that in this election, the PAP is aiming to win all seats. He asked voters whether they want a one-party system. Chiam argued that a multi-party system is needed for democracy to exist in Singapore, and that a free Singapore with room for diverse views and opinions is necessary for the social, cultural and political well-being of the people. Chiam urged the people to act divisive to vote for the opposition, to ensure that Singapore will not degenerate into a one-party state. He said that "a vibrant and cosmopolitan Singapore needs creativity of the mind" and that "these can only flourish in an atmosphere of freedom and an environment where there is no fear." He reminded viewers of the old saying, "absolute power corrupts absolutely."

References