Breaking: Smaller GRCs and at least 12 SMCs. Why?
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/electoral-boundaries/1980260.html
[h=1]Electoral Boundaries Review Committee convened, PM Lee tells Parliament[/h]
- POSTED: 13 Jul 2015 13:32
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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has asked the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee to have smaller Group Representation Constituencies, and to have at least 12 Single Member Constituencies.
The committee was formed two months ago, the Prime Minister told Parliament on Monday (Jul 13).
Mr Lee said he asked the committee to consider the population shifts and housing developments since the last boundary delineation exercise.
He also asked the committee to have smaller GRCs, "so as to reduce the average size of the GRCs below five", and to have at least 12 SMCs.
"As per past practice, the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister. It is now in the midst of its deliberations and will make its recommendations to me when ready," he said.
SIGNAL OF AN UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION?
The committee reviews and draws up the boundaries for election, and submits a report with its recommendations. The report, when released by the committee, is seen as one of the clearest signals that a General Election (GE) is around the corner.
The convening of the committee kickstarts a series of events that culminates in the nation heading to the polls. Singapore’s next GE must be held by January 2017.
The expected sequence of events is as follows:
1. Electoral Boundaries Review Committee convenes
2. Committee submits report with recommendations on electoral changes
In the lead-up to the two previous GEs in 2006 and 2011, the committee took about four months after being convened to issue its report.
3. Parliament dissolved
The Prime Minister may advise the President to dissolve Parliament by Proclamation in the Gazette before the expiry of its term. Once Parliament has been dissolved, the GE must be held within three months. In the last GE, the committee’s report was issued on Feb 24, 2011, and Parliament was dissolved on Apr 19, 2011.
4. President issues Writ of Election
The President, acting on the Prime Minister's advice, issues a Writ of Election. This will specify the date and location for the nomination of candidates.
5. Nomination Day takes place
Nomination Day, when prospective candidates submit their nomination papers, must take place between five days and one month after the Writ of Election is issued.
6. Polling Day
Polling Day must be held between 10 and 56 days after the Returning Officer publishes the Notice of Contested Elections after Nomination Day. For the 2011 GE, Cooling-Off Day, on the eve of Polling Day, was introduced, when candidates are banned from campaigning. This was instituted to give voters time to reflect and make their decision before going to the polls.
- CNA/cy