Consider reverting to three-member GRCs

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/EDC110512-0000770/Consider-reverting-to-three-member-GRCs

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At/ related:
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SBoy:
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SGforum:
13May2011: Revert to 3-member GRCs for credibility.