WP supporters left with mixed emotions over poll results

The colourful party streamers were still draped on the trees outside the coffee shop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5. While there were smiles aplenty, several WP supporters said they had mixed feelings.

- Shawn Hoo and Akshita Nanda

Mr Ng, a 60-year-old who declined to reveal his full name, said a WP victory in Hougang SMC, the party's stronghold of more than three decades, was expected.

But the party's showing in other constituencies was not, he added.

WP contested and lost in Punggol, East Coast and Tampines GRCs, as well as in Jalan Kayu and Tampines Changkat SMCs.

"I wouldn't say we are disappointed, but we had hope," the driver said in Mandarin, adding that he had hoped for the WP to gain more seats in Parliament in this election, with cost-of-living concerns being top of his mind.

His group of six friends - all senior citizens and long-time residents of Hougang - had gathered on May 4 near the coffee shop to greet Mr Dennis Tan, who was re-elected for a second consecutive term in the single-seat constituency.

Mr Ng, with his friends chiming in, said WP MPs have been a consistent presence on the ground in Hougang over the years.

Another resident in her 60s, who declined to reveal her name, said: "For PAP candidates in Hougang, they have a chance to win only if they are moved to other constituencies."

At the polls on May 3, Mr Tan, 54, beat PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, with 62.17 per cent of the vote share.