Updated: 01/10/2013 07:44

SDP surprised by-election called so soon: Chairman

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Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Mohamed Jufrie Mahmood says news of the by-election being called for Punggol East came as a surprise.

He said the SDP did not expect that the Prime Minister would decide on the by-election so soon.

Speaking to the media at Punggol East this evening, Mr Jufrie said even though the party is ready for a contest, it would have to accelerate its campaign, which would comprise mainly house-to-house visits.

The party would be announcing its candidate within the next few days.

Mr Jufrie added that as far as possible, the party would try to avoid a multi-cornered fight.

But he said that if no compromises can be made with the other opposition parties, the SDP is firm on contesting the by-election.