Nicole Seah - a name that burst into the limelight in 2011 when Goh Chok Tong said that NSP should be called the Nicole Seah party.
She was pitted against PAP Tin Pei Ling in the Marine Parade ward and initially, it became a battle of their looks.
Tin Pei Ling's video in her Rally received more than 2000 thumbs down as opposed to 4 thumbs up. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adLC3AO-p90
However, when it comes to charisma and showmanship, Nicole Seah definitely had the stage presence to command an audience's attention.
Her first Youtube rally video attracted more than 22,000 views. Click on
When she said, "PM Lee, Who Is Paying Your Salary?!" I felt her emotions on that part and everyone applauded.
Many commenters have said that she may do even better had she joined WP and rode on their brand name rather than join a relatively new NSP. In addition, her breakaway from Reform Party also hurt her chances slightly as many swing voters do not appreciate such internal conflict.
It has been 3 years after GE2011. What exactly has she done during the past 3 years?
In 2012, she supported Mr Tan Jee Say for his Presidential election campaign and in early 2013, she spoke out against the White Paper 6.9 million.
On her Facebook, she has been active in her tuition project and her walkabouts every week in Marine Parade and Tampines.
Walkabouts are really not that easy as it seems.
When I volunteered in some walkabouts, it's mentally exhausting and physically draining as politicians have to reach out to those swing voters and voters who are sitting on the fences.
Hawker centres and coffee shops are very hot and most of the time, people like Nicole Seah have to endure crowds and hot sun and at the same time, strike up a conversation to get the swing voters to know them better.
On average, 30% of voters are anti-PAP, 30% of voters are pro-PAP and 40% are swing voters.
Walkabouts are the best ways to reach out to the 40% swing voters who may not read TRS regularly and who may be doing ok but may swing when there are better opposition candidates.
I believe that Nicole Seah is also hoping to reach out to swing voters.
Sunday mornings are best spent sleeping but when you do walkabouts, it can be very draining. Only politicians with true passion like Nicole Seah can do it.
CJ
TRS Contributor