Singapore govt rejects opposition MPs' electoral boundary suggestions, accusations of gerrymandering

CNA
CNA
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Published 2024-08-08
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Hazel Poa raised a motion in Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 7) to reform the process by which electoral boundaries are determined. Among her proposals: Narrowing the range of number of voters per MP to ensure fair representation, a minimum time frame of three months between the finalising of electoral boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament, as well as several ways to enhance independence in the composition, appointment and reporting structure of the EBRC.
Workers' Party (WP) MPs Pritam Singh and Jamus Lim also spoke, with Mr Singh asking if there is gerrymandering in Singapore.
Minister-in-Charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing rejected the suggestions, saying the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) works in the interest of voters, and not political parties.
“The government will oppose the motion given its false premises and suggestions that the electoral boundary review process and our public officers who serve on it, have not been transparent or fair,” he said.
Ms Poa called for a division at the end of the debate, and the House voted with 76 rejecting the motion. All 10 opposition MPs - eight from the WP and two PSP Non-Constituency MPs - voted for it. cna.asia/3WTfLfW

00:00 - Hazel Poa's speech
26:11 - Jamus Lim's speech
36:24 - Pritam Singh's speech
47:47 - Chan Chun Sing's speech
1:11:53 - Leong Mun Wai seeks clarification
1:17:44 - Chan Chun Sing responds
1:20:52 - Jamus Lim seeks clarification
1:22:04 - Chan Chun Sing responds
1:26:37 - Jamus Lim provides further clarification on his speech
1:27:17 - Pritam Singh seeks clarification
1:30:02 - Chan Chun Sing responds
1:32:56 - Leong Mun Wai seeks further clarification
1:34:55 - Chan Chun Sing responds
1:37:35 - Leong Mun Wai responds to Chan Chun Sing
1:40:07 - Chan Chun Sing responds
1:45:48 - Hazel Poa's wrap up speech
1:58:12 - Vote on motion
All Comments (21)
  • @sgfuture7114
    They know that if they approve the electoral boundary suggestions, they will lose more wards.... 😊
  • @jeremychoo934
    I have no doubt there is gerrymandering. The current form of GRCs is also in serious need for reform. The original stated intent was to ensure ethnic minority representation I Parliament. This same objective can be achieved with the abolition of the GRC concept or an amendment thereof, however you wish to call it, by reducing GRCs to 2 members only with one candidate being an ethnic minority. The current boundaries will need to be changed to take this reduction into account.
  • @mrtienphysics666
    GE1968: 87% votes, 100% seats GE1972: 70% votes, 100% seats GE1976: 74% votes, 100% seats GE1980: 78% votes, 100% seats GE1984: 65% votes, 99% seats GE1988: 63% votes, 99% seats GE1991: 61% votes, 95% seats GE1997: 65% votes, 98% seats GE2001: 75% votes, 98% seats GE2006: 67% votes, 98% seats GE2011: 60% votes, 93% seats GE2015: 70% votes, 93% seats GE2020: 61% votes, 89% seats GE2024: ??? votes, ??? seats
  • @AK8901
    We are always told our votes are secret. But secrets are known to some and not known to others. Exactly what measures are in place today to ensure that our votes are not known to the EBRC?
  • @margaretchong1450
    CCS, She is not Ms Hazel, but Ms Poa. He is not Mr Jamus, but Mr Lim. Just like you are not affected as Min Chun Sing, but Min Chan.
  • @zrw2820
    Why do you use the word "accusations" which already indicates bias in your report?
  • @vincecarlo
    KiaSi KiaSu Me GerryMandering Coming to Assist the KiaSi KiaSu
  • @Kola833
    The Opps and Sporeans have the right to understand how the elective boundaries are drawn up and not merely dismissive to these qns and keeping everyone wondering doubting
  • @sslee153
    CCS does not understand simple English. He did not answer the questions at all. The govt should explain why Braddel is part of Marine Parade. Please VOTE WISELY. Make them lose a few more GRCs. Let them know that voters are not stupid.
  • @margaretchong1450
    Accent so atas. Cannot connect leh. Should go serve in the UK parliament.
  • @LawrenceWank
    Singapore should split in the middle and divide into two half. People who support PAP go to one half. People who want change go to the other half.
  • @cheksengow2723
    opposition members gave their views and suggestions. Incumbents minister clarified and explained how the systems works. The civil servants on election boundaries will be target for all opposition parties to doubt the rationale of changes. The incumbent government become the party to answer for civil servants. EBRC is the one should be giving the explanation but again this will be never ending debate
  • @user-li6bw9rn1z
    Gerrymandering or not, opposition needs to do better. If they can show more value in addition to managing municipal issues, then Singaporeans will give you their support as well.
  • @anziar3038
    All the facts have been presented to the unconfident opposition MPs. It's so obvious the opposition has a lot to learn from the first-world PAP govt which is ranked the most effective in the world.❤❤