SINGAPORE: Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) has pulled out of The Coalition, citing concerns about the alliance’s commitment to avoiding three-cornered electoral contests, CNA has learnt.

In a message seen by CNA on Saturday (Apr 12), RDU chairman David Foo said the decision to leave the alliance was made “after careful consideration”.

Formed in 2023, The Coalition brought together RDU, Singapore United Party (SUP), National Solidarity Party (NSP) and Singapore People's Party (SPP), with the aim of fostering greater opposition unity and minimising electoral clashes.

“This was not an easy decision,” said Dr Foo in his message.

According to the message, one of the “key understandings” when RDU signed the memorandum of understanding was a shared commitment to prevent multi-cornered fights – a principle the party views as vital for opposition unity and electoral clarity.

“That spirit – of giving voters a clear choice and not splitting the opposition vote – was central to why we joined all of you in this informal partnership,” said Dr Foo. 

“But recent developments have made us question whether all parties still share the same strategic commitment to avoid three-cornered contests – the very principle that first gave rise to this partnership.” 

Dr Foo emphasised that the decision was ultimately about what RDU’s leadership believes is in the party's best interest.

"As a young party, we must be intuitive and perceptive to how voters may react to multi-cornered contests – and how such developments could impact our candidates and the constituencies we hope to serve.” 

Despite the withdrawal, RDU “remains committed to opposition unity”, Dr Foo said.

RDU has announced plans to contest six constituencies: Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Jurong Central SMC, Nee Soon GRC, Jalan Kayu SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.

However, Mr Philemon previously stated that if RDU decides to contest Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, it will not field candidates in Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.

He also said RDU would step aside if the Singapore Democratic Party chooses to contest Holland-Bukit Timah again. 

RDU may still face competition in Jalan Kayu, Tanjong Pagar and Radin Mas, where another alliance, the People’s Alliance for Reform, has declared its intent to contest.

Responding to RDU’s withdrawal, NSP secretary-general Spencer Ng said that parties in The Coalition continue to abide by the memorandum of understanding in the spirit of opposition unity.

“We do not understand why RDU put out this statement, giving the impression that the other three coalition parties actually broke the MOU,” he said.

CNA has contacted the other coalition parties for comments.