WHAT has happened to the group representation constituency (GRC)
system represents a deviation from its originally noble intention
('Cynicism will hurt GRC system', commentary by deputy editor Alan
John; Wednesday).
Consider reverting to three-member GRCs
Letter from Vincent Chin 03:20 PM May 12, 2011
As the PAP starts its post mortem and soul-searching, many
questions will be raised. These will include issues like the cost
of HDB flats; the congestion commuters are facing in our public
transport; the influx of foreign talent and the spiraling cost of
living. While there is no doubt the PAP Government will do its best
to tackle these problems, there are other areas they should look
into as a result of several revelations during the General Election
2011.
The PAP should review the Group Representation Constituency system
which was introduced in 1988, with three-member GRCs increasing to
six members over time. At the outset, it was meant to allow
candidates of a minority race to take part in the country's
politics. However, when most GRCs experienced walkovers, this
allowed the ruling party to bring in new candidates without them
having to compete in an election. In GE 2011, while it has been
said that Aljunied is an example that the GRC system works,
everyone knows how difficult it was for
the Opposition to make it happen. On the other hand, the PAP
has pointed out correctly that Mr Michael Palmer, their SMC
candidate for Punggol East, was a good example that a minority race
candidate can win in a single seat.
It is hope that the GRC scheme can be revised such that a GRC will
consist of only three candidates, with one from the minority race.
Furthermore, all first-time candidates should be tasked to contest
in SMCs and if they win, only then should they be included in GRCs
in future GEs.
Another issue is the redrawing of the electoral boundaries before
each GE. This practice should stop unless there are good reasons
for redrawing the boundaries other than strategic political
reasons. In the eyes of the voters, this is unfair practice.
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/ED...ee-member-GRCs
