8/05/2008
Homogenous constituencies
Our constituencies are by design, or by a stroke of nature, very consistent in their composition. The racial groups represented are similar, the rich and poor are similar and the number of people voting for the ruling party and opposition parties are also similar. The 66.6% for the ruling party and 33.4% for the opposition parties would be the norm across all constituencies.
Now, under this kind of distribution, the ruling party is more or less assured of being elected. But would it throw out a strong opposition party? For 33.4%, never! In a democratice system, one can only be elected by a simple majority. 49% also will not be represented.
Maybe we need to tweak the system to allow the 33.4% some representation in Parliament. Otherwise, because of the homogeneity of our constituencies, they will forever be left out.
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10 comments:
'maybe 'we' need to tweak the system'
By 'we' you are referring to the PAP, right? Who else can tweak the system? Will the PAP tweak the system to help the opposition? Any tweak is as good as no tweak!
it was said before, it is not the duty of the pap to help the opposition parties. it will be very magnanimous if the opposition parties are just left alone to do their things.
"In a democratice system, one can only be elected by a simple majority."
Don't anyhow blame democracy for your woes lah, Redbean. So, what are you proposing ? We go back to absolute monarchy ? Let's crown LYY as Eternal King of Singapore. Sheesh.
I think what you meant was the first pas the post system. NZ uses a proportional representation system. Australia uses a system of preferential voting. Either system would see the final composition of Parliament reflect the actual voting patterns.
I propose we invite the Queen to re-establish the Crown Colony of Singapore and implement true Westminster style policies instead of what we are seeing now.
At least, the executive powers of the Queen is stronger and exercised more oftenly than what our President has.
And their Judicary relatively more independent.
not my woes lah. democratic system can be tweaked and modified to suit the needs of different countries. it all depends on what is deemed good for that country. if we want proportional representation, we can tweak it that way. if we want one party dominance system, it can be done. if we only want NMP and not real opposition party, also can be done.
who decide what is best for the country? and what is best for the country from whose perspective?
abao's westminister option is also workable.
Surely you can't be that foolish to believe the PAP will want to introduce electoral changes that will disadvantage them and also possibly bring about their downfall ? That would be akin to hoping banks will give out interest free home and car loans. I'd get better odss wagering that George Bush and Osama Bin Laden may one day embrace each other in public.
when honest people talked, got to take them at face value. it is rude to doubt people's integrity and sincerity unless proven otherwise.
Allow the 33.4% some representation in Parliament? Over PAPpy's dead body i suppose.
Are these hoenstly honest or dishonestly honest people ?
well, don't be like that lah.
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