ST forum: No Walkovers for next election
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Frustrated Singaporean wants walkovers to be banned in the next general election
Written by Our Correspondent
An obviously frustrated Singaporean by the name of Tan Hong Ngan has written to the Straits Times Forum today protesting against the GRC system which has denied many Singaporeans the basic human right of choosing one’s leaders.
Since the GRC was introduced in 1988, the number of walkovers has increased steadily as the opposition is unable to muster enough resources and candidates to contest in all seats.
In 2001, less than half the number of seats were contested thereby giving the ruling PAP a victory on nomination day.
He felt that “having gone through GRC elections for the past 20-odd years, many Singaporeans have been sidelined in walkover wards.”
The GRC system enables new PAP candidates to enter Parliament either through the “backdoor” or riding on the coat-tails of heavy-weight ministers resulting in the lackluster performance of some MPs presently who do not deserve to be in Parliament in the first place.
Though it was initially set up to ensure minority representation, the system was increasingly abused by the PAP to perpetuate its political hegemony.
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong admitted himself that without the GRC system to “guarantee” new candidates of an electoral victory, the PAP may find it difficult to recruit talented people to stand for elections under its banner.
Mr Tan floated an idea which has been on the minds of many Singaporeans as well: do away with the walkovers.
“I suggest no more walkovers. If only one party stands in a GRC, the poll should still be carried out. The lone party must win enough votes to secure the parliamentary seat,” he wrote.
Mr Tan also proposed that if the sole contestant fails to secure more than 50 percent of the votes, a second round of voting must be called.
PAP leaders have always claimed that the opposition dare not contest in certain GRCs because they know they will lose there due to the “strong support” the residents have shown to the PAP and by default, they have “won” the GRC.
Though the date of the next election has not been announced yet, a mini election fever has gripped the nation especially in cyberspace.
Many Singaporeans are yearning for the election to arrive soon to cast their votes against the PAP which has becoming increasingly unpopular in recent months due to its unfair and discriminatory policies against native Singaporeans.
In the meantime, a Facebook group has been set up for all Singaporeans who want to have a chance to vote:
“This group is for all Singaporeans who care about the place we call home. We are the world’s only advanced economy where huge sections of the population have not had the chance to vote. And it’s a shame.
It is time to see real political competition in Singapore, because we want the best and only the best to represent us in Parliament. We want people who truly deserve that S$13,000 monthly allowance for MPs to speak up for us in Parliament.”
In the past, Singaporeans trust the PAP to select the “best” to represent them. It appears that the trust has now been destroyed by the disastrous performance of some PAP ministers and MPs who were “voted” into Parliament during the last general election.
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An obviously frustrated Singaporean by the name of Tan Hong Ngan has written to the Straits Times Forum today protesting against the GRC system which has denied many Singaporeans the basic human right of choosing one’s leaders. -
It's good that this article is publish.
This gentleman really got guts - no scare later "drink kopi" - thumb up!
Hope, more people would ponder and wake up!
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The Oppositions will have to come up with lots of money as Election deposit and risk losing it, if they can't achieve a minimum percentage of votes.
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also many (feasible, persuasive, cost effective) policies, valid reasons, etc to get/convince voters to vote for them
it's pontless/futile to attack other opponents weakness and so on.
pls don't keep harping - what we had done for you in the past few years!
most * is how Singaporean could benefits from the policies that the "winner" implemented
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There is no need for any election, they rule Singapore forever. Good idea to rEmove election to save money for the alternate parties.
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I support that. Got the guts, compete fair and square. What's called elections with all these in place.
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I am waiting for Emperor Lee to make announcement to abolish election. Election in Singapore does not make any difference.
PAP rules, PAP rules Singapore forever and ever. Great, PAP, good PAP, with so many Singaporeans voting for them.
Save the people the effort to go voting, abolish election.
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i think if this article got out of hand
i think this person might not be able
to set foot in sg any more
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Originally posted by noahnoah:
i think if this article got out of hand
i think this person might not be able
to set foot in sg any more
so i mention he/she got guts to write and submit
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I want to make friend with Mr Tan to get some guts from him.
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Originally posted by CheckmateA1:
so i mention he/she got guts to write and submit
i think perhaps tehre will be some officals pplalready tracking him and going to knock
on his door soon?
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Originally posted by noahnoah:
i think perhaps tehre will be some officals pplalready tracking him and going to knock
on his door soon?
might just evaporate -
This idea will never be implemented.
Why would they want the risk of getting voted out when they have already won it in a "no contest"?
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There might be no more election next time
since they are the overrall winner most of
all the time
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Originally posted by noahnoah:
There might be no more election next time
since they are the overrall winner most of
all the time
Why not ? Emperor Lee make announcement to abolish election. Election is redundant in Singapore. It is a waste of time and effort of Sinkies and oppositions. -
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tehy might build a Dragon Throne
in City hall or Raffles place Soon
O Our Emperor shall rule forever and forever
All Bow down Please
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Is it walkover in Tanjong pagar GRC?
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Election date?
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Well, the opposition need to recruit more worthy candidates before they can contest all the GRCs.
Look at Steve Chia. He could have easily beaten Gan Kim Yong in CCK if not for his nude scandal. Gan had never fought an election before, but Steve was a veteran of at least two campaigns.
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Maybe the opposition parties should approach the PAP for help in appointing some candidates for them.
Those that PAP got did not walk by themselves to the Tea Party. They were scouted, invited and then observed, interviewed and then groomed if found suitable.
All this while the opposition are waiting for walk-in candidates. Their party members just want to help put up banners, and make a lot of noise. Ask to stand for election, all sorts of excuses come out. Usually no time or simply dun wan.
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Originally posted by ahtansh:
The Oppositions will have to come up with lots of money as Election deposit and risk losing it, if they can't achieve a minimum percentage of votes.
They can ask China or Russian to support them..can try North korea and mynamar, but after wining, opposition must allow all their citizens to work here. -
Originally posted by Dondontan:
Election date?
election date??? red date or black date, my goodness, even LKY and LHL also not sure when is the election date and you can ask about election date??? For all my connection and networking, i know it will be next year, the date is still unknown.Let me call up my lau hero
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Yes, there will be no walkover...but Runover
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Originally posted by angel7030:
election date??? red date or black date, my goodness, even LKY and LHL also not sure when is the election date and you can ask about election date??? For all my connection and networking, i know it will be next year, the date is still unknown.Let me call up my lau hero
I am not asking you for any reply. Don't come to my thread for participation for pollution.