Response to the New Electoral Boundaries
Published: 27th February 2011The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) Report dated 24 February 2011 has produced no great surprises. New SMC constituencies have been formed and several other constituencies have been dissolved. This happens every four years or so, always shortly before an election.
The predominant factor in the makeup of these constituencies is the universally denounced system of block voting known as the GRC (Group Representation Constituency). In particular 5 member and larger GRCs are still in the majority.
There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason behind the decisions to create new boundaries as outlined in the report. We are in solidarity with our fellow Opposition parties such as The Workers’ Party who have stated that “indications of gerrymandering are apparent.”
We call on the EBRC to release the reasoning behind the decisions reached and demonstrate the levels of transparency and accountability required by government. RP repeats its previous statements that for a fair election to take place, the boundaries must be released a year ahead of an election.
As Singapore’s newest, active political Party we had not already established a geographical base in previous elections, where polling results could prompt gerrymandering. As a result The Reform Party itself has not been adversely affected by the boundary changes. In fact from an initial assessment the new boundaries look favourable to us.
Despite being relatively new we have been extremely active in campaigning on the ground. Those voters who in previous elections have not seen a polling booth in their wards are excited to be finally getting a chance to vote and exercise their voice in a general election. In Hong Kah the people have been denied a vote since 2001.
We look forward to contesting in the areas where we have established ourselves and where the people are most familiar with us. Last week we campaigned in the old constituencies of West Coast and Hong Kah. On Friday February 25th the day after the review was published, our team visited the new SMC of Radin Mas. Today, Sunday February 27th, we will visit Clementi and Radin Mas again with a larger team.
Our initial response, which is subject to review, is that we will be contesting West Coast, Chua Chu Kang, Pioneer, Hong Kah North and Radin Mas.
Kenneth Jeyaretnam
Secretary General
The Reform Party