Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing dismissed suggestions made by WP MP Associate Professor Jamus Lim, who proposed using scientifically sound methods and independent electoral commissions to ensure transparency and address potential issues of unfair representation in the electoral boundary review process.

On 7 August, NCMPs from the Progress Singapore Party filed a motion calling on the government to review the process by which electoral boundaries are determined.

During the debate, Minister Chan refuted the claims made by Ms Hazel Poa of the existing electoral boundary review system, saying that the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) operates independently and objectively.

Mr Chan stressed that the EBRC is composed of senior civil servants with no party allegiance, insulating the process from party politics and preventing the type of partisan gerrymandering seen in other countries.

"The EBRC does not have access to voting information and hence does not make its recommendations based on voting patterns. The EBRC does not consult the PAP or any other political party."

Regarding the suggestion to enhance the independence of the EBRC, he rejected the idea of judicial oversight for the EBRC, arguing it could politicize the judiciary and emphasizing that political neutrality and integrity are upheld by public service officers.

Assoc Prof Lim acknowledged that while intentional gerrymandering might not be an issue, unintentional gerrymandering could arise from natural shifts in the electorate.

He advocated for using scientific tools to create benchmark maps and questioned why the Prime Minister's Office does not direct the EBRC to adopt these methods, which have been effectively used in other jurisdictions.

In response, Minister Chan expressed openness to exploring various models but cautioned that adjusting electoral divisions to reflect voting patterns could inadvertently lead to gerrymandering, and questioned whether fairness is defined by process or outcome.

Watch also:
WP MP Jamus Lim urges fair representation and tackling gerrymandering issues:    • WP MP Jamus Lim urges fair representa...  

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