A
Andrew
Guest
In Singapore, the General Elections held once every 5 years is probably the only way (some) Singaporeans can display their (dis)satisfaction with the Government. This also means that it’s the only way for the ruling party to get a good idea of the general population’s support for them.
The unfortunate demise of Bukit Batok’s MP Dr. Ong Chit Chung has thrown up opportunities for both the PAP and the opposition parties in Singapore, especially for J.B. Jeyaretnam’s newly formed Reform Party. This is of course besides the fact that holding a by-election is fundamental in order to uphold democracy (Dr Huang makes a good point of it) - the voters should get a person they voted for to represent them (to be fair, one can also argue that voters are still being represented by the party they voted for…).
JBJ is well-known for his marginal victory in the 1981 Anson by-election, and this is a timely opportunity for him to attempt to make a comeback before the next GE, due in 2011. He is probably onto this idea already, as he has indicated to the press in recent days his request for the Government to hold a by-election
For the PAP, this is an opportunity to prove to the world (or at least to Singaporeans) that the Government is still receiving as strong support from Singaporeans, as they are always confident about. This is a particularly significant test, as the recent economic downturn and worries of inflation have affected many Singaporeans, and the party’s popularity at this time will be a testament of how receptive voters are towards the Government’s policies to help cushion the economy’s negative impact on citizens.
If a by-election is held and the PAP receives a strong majority of votes, it will be a strong testimonial of the party’s infallability even in times of economic uncertainty. This will certainly help boost the ruling party’s image as one that is strong regardless of economic conditions.
If a by-election is held, and in the unfortunate event that the seat is lost to an opposition candidate, there can be a silver lining in the cloud - the party will then understand that, perhaps, some of its policies in recent times have lost touch with the electorate. With several years more to go before the next GE, there will be substantial time and opportunities to make positive changes that would benefit Singaporeans more, and ultimately, enhance the party’s portfolio for the next election.
To shy away from the notion of holding a by-election by saying that “there’s no need to as it is not within Singapore’s law to hold a by-election”, or “the remaining MPs of the GRC will divide up the work proportionately to ensure residents’ needs are met” - can be seen by some as a sign of inconfidence. This is how not holding a by-election will instead hurt the PAP.
I like to believe that it is better to lose 1 seat now (in the worst case scenario of holding a by-election), than to live in oblivion about any possible negative sentiments of the electorate… and potentially facing the prospect of suffering heavier damage in the next GE.
The unfortunate demise of Bukit Batok’s MP Dr. Ong Chit Chung has thrown up opportunities for both the PAP and the opposition parties in Singapore, especially for J.B. Jeyaretnam’s newly formed Reform Party. This is of course besides the fact that holding a by-election is fundamental in order to uphold democracy (Dr Huang makes a good point of it) - the voters should get a person they voted for to represent them (to be fair, one can also argue that voters are still being represented by the party they voted for…).
JBJ is well-known for his marginal victory in the 1981 Anson by-election, and this is a timely opportunity for him to attempt to make a comeback before the next GE, due in 2011. He is probably onto this idea already, as he has indicated to the press in recent days his request for the Government to hold a by-election
For the PAP, this is an opportunity to prove to the world (or at least to Singaporeans) that the Government is still receiving as strong support from Singaporeans, as they are always confident about. This is a particularly significant test, as the recent economic downturn and worries of inflation have affected many Singaporeans, and the party’s popularity at this time will be a testament of how receptive voters are towards the Government’s policies to help cushion the economy’s negative impact on citizens.
If a by-election is held and the PAP receives a strong majority of votes, it will be a strong testimonial of the party’s infallability even in times of economic uncertainty. This will certainly help boost the ruling party’s image as one that is strong regardless of economic conditions.
If a by-election is held, and in the unfortunate event that the seat is lost to an opposition candidate, there can be a silver lining in the cloud - the party will then understand that, perhaps, some of its policies in recent times have lost touch with the electorate. With several years more to go before the next GE, there will be substantial time and opportunities to make positive changes that would benefit Singaporeans more, and ultimately, enhance the party’s portfolio for the next election.
To shy away from the notion of holding a by-election by saying that “there’s no need to as it is not within Singapore’s law to hold a by-election”, or “the remaining MPs of the GRC will divide up the work proportionately to ensure residents’ needs are met” - can be seen by some as a sign of inconfidence. This is how not holding a by-election will instead hurt the PAP.
I like to believe that it is better to lose 1 seat now (in the worst case scenario of holding a by-election), than to live in oblivion about any possible negative sentiments of the electorate… and potentially facing the prospect of suffering heavier damage in the next GE.
