Independent candidates in GE2025 among those applying to be NMPs

The two independents who ran in May’s General Election have thrown their hats in the ring for consideration as Nominated MPs (NMPs).

- Anjali Raguraman Correspondent and Vanessa Paige Chelvan Correspondent

Nominations for this round of NMP appointments closed at 4.30pm on Nov 6. An eight-member Special Select Committee (SSC) chaired by Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng will then interview and consider the eligible candidates.

Unlike past rounds, no one from the green or arts community has made his or her application public. The total number of those who have put their names forward for consideration is typically disclosed by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament within days.

The two political newcomers - Mr Darryl Lo, 28, and Mr Jeremy Tan, 35 - told The Straits Times that they have different reasons for wanting to become NMPs.

At GE2025, Mr Lo ran in Radin Mas SMC, where he garnered 23.52 per cent of the votes. Mr Tan, who ran in Mountbatten SMC, received 36.18 per cent of the votes there — the highest vote share for an independent candidate since the 1972 General Election.

Mr Lo, who submitted his application on Oct 29, said he hopes to represent the views of younger Singaporeans.