Question

What is Singapore's Group Representation Constituency (GRC)? How it can influence to ethnicity group in Singapore? Please answer the question with around 600 words and you can use the article "Electoral Politics in Singapore" by Yeo Lay Hwee for reference.

Answer 1

The group representation constituency (GRC) is a type of electoral division where team of candidates compete in election to parliament. This helps the increasing participation of minority community. This system came into effect on 1st June 1988. The GRC boundaries in Singapore are not fixed. The candidates in GRC must be a member of same political party. The individual standing towards the GRC voted for a team not for individual candidate. The entrenchment of minority MPs in parliament is one of the most relevant advantages of GRC. Through this the interest of minority communities represented in the parliament. It is popularly strengthen in highly populated country. There is a maximum number of 6 MPs from a GRC; enhance the flexibility. More MPs can provide more effective representation in the parliament. On the other hand, if the size of GRS increased there is less representation of minorities in the overall proportion. If the MPs from minority community are less; they will not get proper assistance. There were several difficulties faced by opposition party during the selection of their candidates. The unequal voting power created through this GRC. One vote returns five or six candidates to the parliament. There is a problem of credibility and accountability arise because of the member who is elected is not popular.
Singapore’s self government and independence attained through electoral process and influence of political parties. After the separation from Malaya Singapore become autonomy in 1946. The major political parties include People’s Action Party and Singapore Labour Front. There are several limitations in the rights of citizens, mass media, political parties, trade unions and other voluntary organisations. The GRC forms of government ensure the representation of Malay, Indian and other minority communities in the parliament. The limited resources allocation and the open up weak PAP candidates through team membership enhance the advantages of GRC.
The Singapore parliament is unicameral, where the members in parliament elected through general election. Election based on first past the post system. There are 23 registered opposition parties in Singapore. Most important among them are Worker’s Party (WP), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Singapore People’s Party (SPP), National Solidarity Party (NSP) and Singapore Justice Party etc. These parties are limited in their structure and comparatively lower representation among the people.