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Mr Chan explained that due to the high frequency with which voters move and change addresses within the country, applying the same margin of deviation to smaller constituencies would result in more frequent and larger changes in constituency boundaries.
“Singapore is a small country with a small population, and the advantage is that we can have smaller constituencies, both in terms of population and area, which allows MPs to be more closely connected to the areas and voters they serve,” he said.
“In absolute terms, smaller constituencies do mean that percentage differences are likely to be larger. We have to find a balance between the two that suits our national circumstances, rather than pursuing one at the expense of the other.”
Mr. Chen added: “There is no electoral system in the world that can unequivocally claim that every vote is exactly the same or even close to being equal,” even in established democracies around the world.
Changing the boundaries
In her motion, Ms. Boa also proposed that primary and secondary boundaries be drawn on the electoral map.
She said the principal boundaries should correspond closely to local relations and geographical considerations, and could refer to existing HDB town boundaries, URA planning area boundaries and postal district boundaries.
They should remain the same “throughout multiple elections”. Within each constituency there will be GRCs and SMCs, with small boundaries that can be adjusted according to EBRC standards.
“Introducing key boundaries that don’t change often also makes it easier for councillors to build community identity and connection,” Ms Poa said.
In response, Mr Chan said the government had studied the proposal and was not sure it would solve the fundamental problems caused by the boundary change.
“Unlike larger countries with different states and provinces, we are a city-state with high mobility of residents during every election cycle. In Singapore, establishing major borders that are immutable and unaffected by demographic changes may not work,” he said.
“Then the question arises: who should draw the line between primary and secondary borders, and we’re back to square one.”
Singaporeans watch election results
Mr Chan said Singapore should not change its systems, including the constituency vetting process, for the “convenience or interests of individual political parties”.
“No party should expect to retain or win seats because the boundaries are drawn that way. Singaporeans are savvy voters,” he said.
“I urge all candidates to fight the election with substance and win the trust of voters with practical actions. No matter where you choose to stand, you must focus on how to serve voters and win their trust, rather than thinking about making excuses for not being able to do so.”
He said Singapore’s system was “quite good” and “even the opposition and many opposition voters would acknowledge that the PAP government did its best to provide good services to the people of Singapore.”
Mr Chan added: “However, whether intentionally or unintentionally, this motion has sown the seeds of distrust and discontent.”
He pointed out that the creation of the new Sengkang GRC in 2020 did not stop the Workers’ Party from winning the constituency.
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