Reform Singapore's Electoral System


Reform Singapore's Electoral System
The Issue
We, the undersigned citizens of Singapore, call upon the Government and Parliament of Singapore to undertake the following six urgent and meaningful key electoral reforms to ensure that our political system reflects the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.
1. Remove the Elections Department from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Establish an Independent Elections Commission to oversee election matters. This body must include representatives from across society that will ensure neutrality, boost public confidence, and bring Singapore in line with international democratic norms.
2. End Gerrymandering: Reform the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC)
Gerrymandering undermines democratic representation and erodes public trust. The EBRC process must:
- Publish criteria for how boundaries are decided
- Conduct public consultation before final decisions
- Comprise members independent of political control
3. Abolish the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) System
Return to Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) only. The GRC system distorts fair competition.
4. Ensure a Minimum Three-Week Campaign Period
Establish a minimum official campaigning period of 21 days instead of the current 9 days which is inadequate for voters to digest party platforms, evaluate candidates, and engage meaningfully in democratic debate.
5. Set a Minimum Six-Month Gap Between Boundary Changes and Parliament Dissolution
A minimum six-month period between the release of new boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament, instead of just weeks, is needed to allow for proper voter engagement by contesting parties.
6. Review the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA) to Allow Independent Media
A free press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. A comprehensive review of the NPPA to permit the establishment of independent news companies is essential for fair coverage of elections, political education, and democratic participation.
Conclusion
These reforms are not partisan demands—they are foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity. Singapore is ready to take the next step forward in its political maturity by ensuring our elections are genuinely free and fair.
Do note that donating to this specific campaign does not donate to SDP, but change.org. To donate to SDP, visit our website at yoursdp.org.
6,106
The Issue
We, the undersigned citizens of Singapore, call upon the Government and Parliament of Singapore to undertake the following six urgent and meaningful key electoral reforms to ensure that our political system reflects the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.
1. Remove the Elections Department from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Establish an Independent Elections Commission to oversee election matters. This body must include representatives from across society that will ensure neutrality, boost public confidence, and bring Singapore in line with international democratic norms.
2. End Gerrymandering: Reform the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC)
Gerrymandering undermines democratic representation and erodes public trust. The EBRC process must:
- Publish criteria for how boundaries are decided
- Conduct public consultation before final decisions
- Comprise members independent of political control
3. Abolish the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) System
Return to Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) only. The GRC system distorts fair competition.
4. Ensure a Minimum Three-Week Campaign Period
Establish a minimum official campaigning period of 21 days instead of the current 9 days which is inadequate for voters to digest party platforms, evaluate candidates, and engage meaningfully in democratic debate.
5. Set a Minimum Six-Month Gap Between Boundary Changes and Parliament Dissolution
A minimum six-month period between the release of new boundaries and the dissolution of Parliament, instead of just weeks, is needed to allow for proper voter engagement by contesting parties.
6. Review the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA) to Allow Independent Media
A free press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. A comprehensive review of the NPPA to permit the establishment of independent news companies is essential for fair coverage of elections, political education, and democratic participation.
Conclusion
These reforms are not partisan demands—they are foundational principles of good governance and democratic integrity. Singapore is ready to take the next step forward in its political maturity by ensuring our elections are genuinely free and fair.
Do note that donating to this specific campaign does not donate to SDP, but change.org. To donate to SDP, visit our website at yoursdp.org.
6,106
Petition created on 17 May 2025