Convening of Electoral Boundaries Review Committee and Revision to Report Format

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Prime Minister (a) whether the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has been convened; (b) if not, whether he will announce the formation of the EBRC as soon as it is constituted; and (c) whether he will require the EBRC, in its report, to provide detailed reasons for each constituency boundary change, beyond the considerations for sizes of constituencies to ensure fair representation and the need for adjustments to the electoral boundaries arising from population shifts.

The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has not been convened.

I had previously mentioned in this House that the work of the EBRC is essentially to consider the latest changes in population shifts and housing developments to determine the electoral boundaries for use at future elections. Its composition includes senior civil servants who are experts in these technical areas. They independently consider the relevant data before making their recommendations. Hence, it will not be practicable for the EBRC to explain the technicalities and details of every change that it recommends. And, as a matter of practice, the Committee should be allowed to carry out its work professionally, away from media attention or public pressures.

I would like to reassure the Member that there will be sufficient time between the release of EBRC’s report to the time of election for candidates and political parties to make their preparations.