By-election
May hurt the PAP
But not having it to fill vacant Bukit Batok seat may harm them even more in future, online views. SammyBoy.com.
Aug 18, 2008

By Andrew
In Singapore, the General Elections held once every 5 years is probably the only way (some) Singaporeans can display their (dis)satisfaction with the Government. This also means that it’s the only way for the ruling party to get a good idea of the general population’s support for them.
The unfortunate demise of Bukit Batok’s MP Dr. Ong Chit Chung has thrown up opportunities for both the PAP and the opposition parties in Singapore, especially for J.B. Jeyaretnam’s newly formed Reform Party.
This is of course besides the fact that holding a by-election is fundamental in order to uphold democracy (Dr Huang makes a good point of it) - the voters should get a person they voted for to represent them (to be fair, one can also argue that voters are still being represented by the party they voted for…).
JBJ is well-known for his marginal victory in the 1981 Anson by-election, and this is a timely opportunity for him to attempt to make a comeback before the next GE, due in 2011.
He is probably onto this idea already, as he has indicated to the press in recent days his request for the Government to hold a by-election
For the PAP, this is an opportunity to prove to the world (or at least to Singaporeans) that the Government is still receiving as strong support from Singaporeans, as they are always confident about.
This is a particularly significant test, as the recent economic downturn and worries of inflation have affected many Singaporeans, and the party’s popularity at this time will be a testament of how receptive voters are towards the Government’s policies to help cushion the economy’s negative impact on citizens.
If a by-election is held and the PAP receives a strong majority of votes, it will be a strong testimonial of the party’s infallability even in times of economic uncertainty. This will certainly help boost the ruling party’s image as one that is strong regardless of economic conditions.
If a by-election is held, and in the unfortunate event that the seat is lost to an opposition candidate, there can be a silver lining in the cloud - the party will then understand that, perhaps, some of its policies in recent times have lost touch with the electorate.
With several years more to go before the next GE, there will be substantial time and opportunities to make positive changes that would benefit Singaporeans more, and ultimately, enhance the party’s portfolio for the next election.
To shy away from the notion of holding a by-election by saying that “there’s no need to as it is not within Singapore’s law to hold a by-election”, or “the remaining MPs of the GRC will divide up the work proportionately to ensure residents’ needs are met” - can be seen by some as a sign of inconfidence.
This is how not holding a by-election will instead hurt the PAP.
I like to believe that it is better to lose 1 seat now (in the worst case scenario of holding a by-election), than to live in oblivion about any possible negative sentiments of the electorate… and potentially facing the prospect of suffering heavier damage in the next GE.

Mighty Megatron
I, too agree that no by-election is bad. We already had a bad precedent and I think to continue with and let things be will do more harm in the long run.

sunny302
Don't think PAP will rock the boat when inflation is at its highest now

fanta
I'm looking forward to see the citizens of Bukit Batok elect a new MP
Question is, will the PAP allow that?

High Command
Too bad that is not going to happen. Good chance of losing if they did.

sta1100
They won't/don't have a by-election if they have they will LOSS BIG TIME, looking at the way they run the country now a lot of the people are pissed off with them

tate
"I like to believe that it is better to lose 1 seat now (in the worst case scenario of holding a by-election), than to live in oblivion about any possible negative sentiments of the electorate… and potentially facing the prospect of suffering heavier damage in the next GE."
Well written. You should send this to ST forum for maximum publicity

sarah122
The law states that there cannot be any by-election. so no matter what people say, there will still not be any by-election. We have to change the law if we want a by-election. and to change the law, we need to find the motive behind why the PAP has made it such. Clearly they don't respect the people's will and wishes. And the approved opposition agrees with them.
So looks like Singkies deserve the bad situation they're in.

hunter
"no matter what people say, there will still not be any by-election."
The people of Bukit Batok should not be denied of parliamentary representation.

My Reputation
"Too bad that is not going to happen. Good chance of losing if they did."
If there is a by election the result is obvious. Since the general election till to-date how was the inflation and living in Singapore? The PAP report card is full of red colour in all subjects. People are not blind.

david
I'll be surprised if PAP agrees to a by-election. They don't normally have such guts.

http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?t=435