Preparations for the next General Election have begun in earnest. Some MPs have announced their retirement, while others have reaffirmed their commitment to continue serving the nation. Parties have begun announcing new candidates; and in a break from tradition, the incumbent has decided to introduce all new candidates before nomination day, giving them a chance to familiarise themselves with the electorate.
This move could be read as an indication from the incumbent that this GE would likely be a “local” election. In a recent Facebook post, potential Workers’ Party candidate and current NCMP Gerald Giam, shared his thoughts on this issue
As Giam has rightly pointed out, many constituents are happy with the municipal work done by their incumbent, and their votes would reflect their satisfaction. Considering the lack of a national platform for many MPs, the only real differentiating factor visible to residents is the “local” work done by the MPs.
Building strong bonds with constituents is certainly beneficial to any candidate. At the end of the day, regardless of the national issues, it is the residents within the constituency that decide who should be their MP, and if the incumbent has done a good job within the division, their chances of re-election are high.
As the campaigning heats up, the incumbents would certainly present their track record in managing the estate as a strong justification for re-election. Their ability to solve local issues, and provide their constituents with a safe and pleasant neighbourhood will certainly be a deciding factor; but I hope it is not the only one.
As a young nation, we are at an inflection point. Forces beyond our control have dictated that our region will be one of the key drivers of the global economy. Technological advancements have made some of Singapore’s traditional strengths redundant – offshore centres in lower cost countries can easily provide the professional services that Singapore has been a global leader at.
What worries me, is that many people have discussions regarding bread and butter issues, assuming our nation’s continued prosperity. Singapore’s success is not guaranteed, and as Mr. Lee Kuan Yew used to say, no one owes us a living.
I hope that we never forget that our current success is an anomaly, a product of visionary leadership and a hardworking, self-sacrificing population. I would like to see today’s politicians display the same determination and clarity of vision that our pioneer leaders displayed. And I hope that we citizens are ready to work hard and sacrifice to ensure that Singapore continues to beat the odds.
So on polling day, I will cast my vote for the party that has the most compelling and actionable vision for Singapore – a Singapore that I would be proud to leave for future generations and one that my parents would be proud I helped shape.
So parties it is time to convince me, and other voters, not only that you can keep my estate spotlessly clean but also that you have a vision for tomorrow.
Source: http://inconvenientquestions.sg
