Governing Singapore: The Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system and its effect on inclusiveness and electoral participation
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system on the governance of Singapore, particularly in terms of equity and inclusiveness, accountability, and participation.
Design/methodology/approach
Historical review and election data from Singapore government web site are used.
Findings
The GRC system seems to be friendlier and fairer toward ethnic minorities than the traditional system. The GRC system also encourages political parties to be ethnically more inclusive. On the other hand, however, the GRC system has negative effects on opposition parties. A government cannot be called “accountable” if it lacks fair competition and sufficient popular participation.
Originality/value
The Singapore experience shows that, in practice, ethnic equality/inclusiveness and even political stability on the one hand, and participation and accountability on the other hand, can present conflicts. Which value should receive priority thus requires serious consideration.
Keywords
Citation
Sun, T.-W. (2015), "Governing Singapore: The Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system and its effect on inclusiveness and electoral participation", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 282-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-11-2014-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited