Daily Lessons from Life 09-10 May 2012 - Hougang By-Election

"Hougang By-election was finally called after almost 3-month absence by the ex-MP Mr Yaw of the Workers Party.

It will be a straight contest between PAP and WP candidates.

This cleared the doubts and uncertainty lingering around when the constitution supposedly did not mandate a definitely period of absence before by-election must be conducted. It left the decision of exactly when to call a by-election in the hands of the PM though a by-election must be call.

Lessons for me are:

1. better to have an elected MP to represent the constituents since we have a democratic system then to let some people 'cover' the duties of the absent MP;

2. while a lot of factors need to be considered, to the voters, when a seat is vacated, they just want to have the right to elect another one of their wishes. The calling of the by-election will afford them this opportunity. There should not be any need for them to debate about when it will be called really;

3. may the best candidate win after presenting their manafesto to their voters though some political commentators are saying that it will be a 1st test of the ruling party IF the voters feel that their dissenting and dissatisfied voices in the last GE was heard and actions taken to improve and eliminate any reasons for further grievance within reasonable limits.

Let the campaigning begins soon ...