Feb 4, 2010
I REFER to the opposition's interest in contesting at least two group representation constituencies (GRCs) in the next General Election. The People's Action Party (PAP) may wish to reconsider which of the constituencies should remain as GRCs while redrawing the rest as single-member constituencies (SMCs) for three reasons.
First, the opposition seems confident of winning the Tampines and Bishan- Toa Payoh GRCs. The opposition almost won the Eunos GRC in the 1988 General Election with 49.1 per cent of the votes. In subsequent general elections, the opposition garnered more than 40 per cent of the votes in a few GRCs. And judging from ground and online sentiments, a GRC victory or two for the opposition is a strong possibility.
Second, such a loss may mean losing 10 seats in Parliament altogether. If, however, the 10 constituencies are redrawn as SMCs, the ruling party may still keep more than half the SMCs.
Third, many citizens are unhappy that some MPs entered Parliament by piggybacking on party heavyweights through the GRC format.
The PAP should consider having more SMCs so that more of their fresh candidates can prove their worth by winning a seat on their own steam.
How many SMCs? At least half of the total parliamentary seats.
Dr Jason Wong
[Idealist. The proposed amendments to the parliamentary elections would create more SMCs and smaller GRCs. But half of all seats as SMCs? The doctor is dreaming.]
I REFER to the opposition's interest in contesting at least two group representation constituencies (GRCs) in the next General Election. The People's Action Party (PAP) may wish to reconsider which of the constituencies should remain as GRCs while redrawing the rest as single-member constituencies (SMCs) for three reasons.
First, the opposition seems confident of winning the Tampines and Bishan- Toa Payoh GRCs. The opposition almost won the Eunos GRC in the 1988 General Election with 49.1 per cent of the votes. In subsequent general elections, the opposition garnered more than 40 per cent of the votes in a few GRCs. And judging from ground and online sentiments, a GRC victory or two for the opposition is a strong possibility.
Second, such a loss may mean losing 10 seats in Parliament altogether. If, however, the 10 constituencies are redrawn as SMCs, the ruling party may still keep more than half the SMCs.
Third, many citizens are unhappy that some MPs entered Parliament by piggybacking on party heavyweights through the GRC format.
The PAP should consider having more SMCs so that more of their fresh candidates can prove their worth by winning a seat on their own steam.
How many SMCs? At least half of the total parliamentary seats.
Dr Jason Wong
[Idealist. The proposed amendments to the parliamentary elections would create more SMCs and smaller GRCs. But half of all seats as SMCs? The doctor is dreaming.]
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