The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (ERBC) recently announced significant changes to Singapore’s electoral divisions in preparation for the upcoming General Election. These changes will impact 22 out of the current 31 constituencies, with only five Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and four Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) remaining unchanged. Opposition parties, particularly those in West Coast GRC and Bukit Batok SMC, have expressed dissatisfaction with these adjustments, suggesting that they may be a form of gerrymandering.
The Workers’ Party (WP) has voiced disappointment over the changes, specifically the transfer of polling districts from Aljunied GRC to Tampines GRC. WP members of Parliament Sylvia Lim and Gerald Giam have been actively working in these areas and are concerned about the impact of the revisions. Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Secretary-General Hazel Poa commended the ERBC for increased transparency but criticized the unexplained decisions regarding boundary changes. The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) criticized the dissolution of Yuhua SMC and Bukit Batok SMC, accusing the government of gerrymandering to consolidate power.
The People’s Power Party (PPP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR), Red Dot United (RDU), Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), and Singapore People’s Party (SPP) have also expressed concerns about the electoral boundary changes and their implications for opposition parties. These parties are closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the potential impact on their constituencies.
It is essential for political transparency and fairness in the electoral process to address these concerns and ensure that the boundaries are redrawn in a way that serves the interests of all Singaporeans, regardless of political affiliation.
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