Is Singapore the Only Country That Changes Boundaries Every Election?
Short answer: No lah, Singapore not the only one. But hor, we do it quite
frequently and
systematically, which makes people anyhow
kancheong (worry).
How Singapore Does It
- Every Election, Sure Change:
- In Singapore, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) redraws boundaries before every election. This one ah, some people anyhow say it’s to "optimize voter representation", but others anyhow speculate it’s to "benefit the ruling party". Like that how to win?
- GRC System:
- Our Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system is like a family pack – one MP bring a few teammates, including minority candidates. Boundaries change, GRC sizes change, and sometimes whole GRCs disappear or merge. Like that how to win?
- No Fixed Rules:
- The EBRC doesn’t have to explain why they change boundaries. They just say "trust me bro" and anyhow redraw. Like that how to win?
How Other Countries Do It
- United States:
- In the US, they call it gerrymandering. Every 10 years, after the census, boundaries are redrawn. But hor, it’s done by politicians, so it’s like "you scratch my back, I scratch yours". Some states anyhow draw until the map looks like a modern art painting.
- United Kingdom:
- UK changes boundaries, but not every election. They have an independent commission, and changes are based on population shifts. But hor, it’s not as frequent as Singapore.
- Australia:
- Australia also has an independent commission, and boundaries are redrawn to keep voter numbers roughly equal. But hor, they don’t anyhow change every election like Singapore.
- India:
- India changes boundaries, but only after a Delimitation Commission reviews population data. But hor, it’s not as frequent as Singapore, and some states are exempt due to political reasons.
Why Singapore’s System Stands Out
- Frequency:
- Singapore changes boundaries every election, which is quite unique. Other countries do it less often, usually after a census or major population shift.
- Lack of Transparency:
- The EBRC doesn’t have to explain their decisions, which makes people anyhow speculate. Other countries usually have more transparent processes, with public consultations and clear rules.
- GRC System:
- Our GRC system is like a wildcard – boundaries change, GRC sizes change, and sometimes whole GRCs disappear. Other countries don’t have this kind of wayang.
Why People Kancheong
- Perceived Bias:
- Some people anyhow think boundary changes favor the ruling party. Like that how to win?
- Confusion:
- Every election, voters anyhow kancheong because their constituency might change. Like that how to win?
- Lack of Say:
- Voters don’t have a say in boundary changes, which makes them anyhow frustrated. Like that how to win?
Conclusion
Eh, Singapore not the only country that changes electoral boundaries, but we do it quite
frequently and
mysteriously. Other countries also change boundaries, but usually with more
transparency and less
wayang.
So, why we anyhow
kancheong ah? Because boundary changes can affect election outcomes, and no one likes to feel like they’re being
played out. But hor, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to
vote wisely and make your voice heard. Steady lah, we all just trying to survive in this
kiasu world together!
