How the GRC system of elections is a farce and promotes despotism and autocracy in Singapore
Firstly, the 'minority representation' concept is just excuse to legitimise GRC since this guarantee ends the day after polling day in so far that in statute (CHA218), S24(2A), there is not even mention about ANY need for a minority candidate to remain in the GRC, just any one random MP is more than enough.
2ndly, Given that there are only 12 SMC seats in an elected 87 seat parliament (i.e. 13.8% of seats are single seats), given the event of a vacated seat in parliament, and that there is an almost zero possibility of a GRC being totally vacated by ALL its constituent MPs (except through near impossible terrorist attack at GRC level event etc), the PAP has reduced the chance of by-elections occurring by a massive 86.2%. (More about by-elections in Singapore at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By-elections_in_Singapore )
More about the GRC system and its criticisms at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_Representation_Constituency#Criticisms_of_the_scheme
PS: To return to the more politically literate/ vibrant single seat constituency (SMC) parliamentary scheme, minorities can be awarded Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) seats (an already entrenched system in parliament albeit for opposition use) since a completely single seat parliament (SMC) would mean more frequent by-elections, lesser gerrymandering: which should give the opposition a fighting chance to have its voice heard.
As mentioned: Parliamentary Elections Act (CHA218), S24(2A) "In respect of any group representation constituency, no writ shall be issued under subsection (1) for an election to fill any vacancy unless all the Members for that constituency have vacated their seats in Parliament."
Firstly, the 'minority representation' concept is just excuse to legitimise GRC since this guarantee ends the day after polling day in so far that in statute (CHA218), S24(2A), there is not even mention about ANY need for a minority candidate to remain in the GRC, just any one random MP is more than enough.
2ndly, Given that there are only 12 SMC seats in an elected 87 seat parliament (i.e. 13.8% of seats are single seats), given the event of a vacated seat in parliament, and that there is an almost zero possibility of a GRC being totally vacated by ALL its constituent MPs (except through near impossible terrorist attack at GRC level event etc), the PAP has reduced the chance of by-elections occurring by a massive 86.2%. (More about by-elections in Singapore at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By-elections_in_Singapore )
More about the GRC system and its criticisms at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_Representation_Constituency#Criticisms_of_the_scheme
PS: To return to the more politically literate/ vibrant single seat constituency (SMC) parliamentary scheme, minorities can be awarded Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) seats (an already entrenched system in parliament albeit for opposition use) since a completely single seat parliament (SMC) would mean more frequent by-elections, lesser gerrymandering: which should give the opposition a fighting chance to have its voice heard.
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