SDP chairman collects 3 sets of nomination papers

SINGAPORE: Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Mohamed Jufrie Mahmood collected three sets of nomination papers at the Elections Department on Thursday.

But he remained tight—lipped about who the party plans to field as a candidate in the Punggol East by—election, set for 26 January.

He told reporters that the SDP will reveal "very soon" who it has in mind.

He added that he’s hopeful that The Workers’ Party (WP) will discuss ways to avoid any clash, if possible, in the single—seat ward.

Mr Jufrie said the SDP has sent notes to WP, inviting it for discussions.

He said the ball is in WP’s court.

When asked if he’s optimistic about WP’s response, Mr Jufrie replied: "I’m hopeful but I don’t know. It’s up to them."

The SDP had signalled that it’ll contest for the seat of Member of Parliament, left vacant after Mr Michael Palmer of the People’s Action Party resigned over an extramarital affair.

— CNA/ck