(08-08-2024, 12:45 PM)Bigiron Wrote: Lee Hsien Yang: Electoral boundaries need to be fair to Singaporeans
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) criticized Singapore’s Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) as increasingly partisan and unfair. LHY pointed out the flaw in having the Prime Minister both convene the EBRC and receive its recommendations, creating conflicts of interest. He urged for a system to prevent gerrymandering and ensure fair treatment of voters.
https://gutzy.asia/2024/08/08/lee-hsien-...gaporeans/
Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, has been accused of practicing gerrymandering during his time in office. Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one political party or group.
In Singapore, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Lee Kuan Yew, was accused of:
1. Redrawing electoral boundaries_: To concentrate opposition votes in certain areas, making it harder for them to win seats.
2. Creating single-member constituencies_: To reduce the impact of opposition votes.
3. Merging or splitting constituencies_: To favor PAP candidates.
Examples include:
1. 1976: The PAP redrew electoral boundaries, creating new constituencies that favored PAP candidates.
2. 1980 The PAP introduced the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which linked multiple seats to a single vote, making it harder for opposition parties to win.
Critics argue that these actions helped the PAP maintain its dominance in Singaporean politics, while opponents argue that they were necessary to ensure stability and effective governance.
It's important to note that gerrymandering is a controversial topic, and opinions on its impact and legitimacy vary widely.
Gerrymandering is a practice in USA politics.
Gerrymandering in the United States refers to the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or group. Here are some key aspects:
1. _Partisan gerrymandering_: Both Democrats and Republicans have been accused of gerrymandering to gain electoral advantages.
2. Redistricting: After the census, states redraw electoral maps, often leading to gerrymandering.
3. Supreme Court decisions_:
- Shaw v. Reno (1993)_: Established that racial gerrymandering can be unconstitutional.
- Vieth v. Jubelirer (2004)_: Made it harder to challenge partisan gerrymandering.
- Rucho v. Common Cause (2019)_: Ruled that partisan gerrymandering is a political issue, not a judicial one.
4. Effects_:
- Polarization_: Gerrymandering can lead to more extreme political views.
- Disproportionate representation_: Gerrymandering can result in a party winning more seats than its share of votes.
- Voter suppression_: Gerrymandering can dilute the voting power of minority groups.
5. Reform efforts_:
- _Independent redistricting commissions_: Some states have established independent commissions to draw electoral maps.
- _Redistricting reform legislation_: Efforts to pass laws that prevent partisan gerrymandering.
- _Voting rights activism_: Organizations and individuals advocating for fair electoral maps and voting rights.
Gerrymandering remains a contentious issue in US politics, with ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding its impact and legitimacy.
Lee Hsien Yang should be brave and honest in publicity condemning his father LEE K Y for practicing gerrymandering over PAP rules...
Cheers!!!
And not cherry picking in his choice of politics.