Gregor
Macgregor’s Letters
and Press Releases
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Wednesday,
November 14, 2001 The Editor,
Straits Times Singapore
“No” Vote Enhances DemocracyDear Sir, As someone who won an election by
14 votes against a “No” vote, I feel justified in supporting Vincent Tan Chee
Kian. A “No” vote option enhances democracy as it gives people a chance to voice
their view, even if it is limited to a “YES” or a “No”. I won a student election and
became treasurer of the Cardiff Students Union. I was therefore given a
mandate. I would not have received this level of respect, if I had not
subjected myself to a veto from my peers. Later I went on to win the
Presidency of the Students Union by a massive majority – against two other
candidates. Elections enhance democracy even
if they are merely Yes/No options. Voters can always say NO and reject
someone they do not want. It is healthy that all elected MPs have faced the
voters. Singapore’s democracy is
recognised by the outside world. It is however very much the poorer for the
fact that the majority of Members of Parliament are elected, without a vote
being cast. Democracy here would be significantly enhanced if voters had the
option to vote in every seat. Rules could be set to ensure that
significant numbers of people have to vote to make a successful “No” vote
credible. Singapore is surely now mature
enough to adopt such a change. The outside world would see this as
confirmation that Singapore is a secure and confident democracy. Yours faithfully, N Gregor Macgregor Conservative Parliamentary Candidate 2001, Erewash |
