Mini-GRCs work better

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May 14, 2011
Mini-GRCs work better
DESPITE obtaining 40 per cent of the total votes cast, the opposition parties secured only about 7 per cent of the seats in Parliament. This sad fact is obviously due to the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system.

Currently, there are 15 GRCs returning 75 MPs to Parliament. If the aim of the GRC system is minority representation, my suggestion would be to convert the existing GRCs into, say, 20 to 25 two-member GRCs with one member partnering a minority candidate. The others should be converted into Single Member Constituencies. This would satisfy the need for minority representation.
Let us not forget those men who were elected in days gone by on their own merits before the GRC system was introduced: Mr David Marshall, Mr S. Rajaratnam, Mr Devan Nair, Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam, Mr E.W. Barker and others.
Robert Craiu
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_668309.html
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