Study of spoilt votes shows
interesting pattern
May 12, 2006
The Straits Times
MS PHYLLIS Christe ('Strong mandate? I beg to differ'; ST, May 9)
is right in stating that every vote that was lost 'represents a
voice that is asking for accountability...'. This is also true of
votes lost through being rejected. On average this was 2.2 per cent
of valid votes for the 16 contested constituencies.
However, an interesting pattern emerges when we group these
constituencies according to which opposition parties contested
them, leaving Hougang and Potong Pasir aside.
The highest levels of rejected votes were in the two areas where
SDP lost to PAP (3.23 and 3.18 per cent), an average of 3.21 per
cent. SDA-contested wards lost an average of 2.47 per cent of votes
in this manner. Those in which WP faced off with PAP lost 1.93 per
cent.
Hougang and Potong Pasir averaged only 1.25 per cent of rejected
votes. The atypical levels at either end of the spectrum bear
scrutiny. Might it be that there are sufficient numbers of voters
preferring to spoil their votes when faced with a choice of SDP or
PAP? Are these voters (over 5,000 in Sembawang) saying, 'I do not
have a choice. I want an opposition, but I do not want SDP looking
after me!'?
At the other end, was it the possibility of losing their incumbent
opposition MPs that propelled Hougang and Potong Pasir residents to
carefully exercise their once-in-five-years opportunity to express
their choice?
I note also that in Aljunied and both Nee Soon wards, rejected
votes made up less than 1.8 per cent.
I urge PAP to reflect on the message these 'abstention voters' are
sending. There are constituents who, while not opting for a
particular opposition party, have 'opted out' of supporting
PAP.
The message is also pertinent for the opposition.
While Singaporeans want an opposition, this is not a carte blanche
for just any opposition. We are discerning enough to opt for
quality.
Chia Boon Beng
