Elected Presidency: Possible ways to ensure all major races are represented
SINGAPORE — How can Singapore ensure that candidates from the minority races are elected to the Presidency from time to time? A Constitutional Commission set up earlier this year to review certain aspects of the Elected Presidency delved into this hotly-debated issue at length, and gave its recommendations in a report released by the Government on Wednesday. Here's a snapshot of their views on the various proposals to ensure minority representation:
SINGAPORE — How can Singapore ensure that candidates from the minority races are elected to the Presidency from time to time?
A Constitutional Commission set up earlier this year to review certain aspects of the Elected Presidency delved into this hotly-debated issue at length, and gave its recommendations in a report released by the Government on Wednesday (Sept 7).
Here's a snapshot of their views on the various proposals to ensure minority representation:
I. GROUP REPRESENTATION
What?
Teams comprising members of different ethnicity run for President together on one ticket. Three variants of this proposal have been raised:
- ‘Fixed-helm’ variant - a candidate contests with a running mate, where the running mate becomes Vice-President, Speaker of Parliament, or chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), should the candidate win.
- ‘Rotating-helm’ variant - members in the same winning team take turns to become President over the course of their term in office.
- Triumvirate variant - the presidency becomes a three or four-men office, with each seat reserved for a person of a different race. They take office either consecutively, or concurrently.
Why not?
The Commission considers this model to be "not optimal" for the following reasons:
- The ‘fixed-helm variant’ might entrench perceived marginalisation of minority races, especially if the President is often from the majority race, and his running mate is frequently from a minority race.
- The ‘rotating-helm variant’ is seen as problematic because the regular switching of roles between members of a winning Presidential team is disruptive. This is especially so for an office that should be seen as a unifying symbol, and where continuity is essential.
- Both ‘fixed-helm’ and ‘rotating-helm’ variants also entail the creation of a Vice-President, a role that might not have sufficiently meaningful responsibilities.
- The ‘triumvirate variant’ is similarly considered disruptive for several reasons, and raises the prospects of frequent standoffs if the winning candidates are at odds with themselves.
II. PRE-ASSIGNED CYCLES
What?
Presidential elections will be held according to a pre-determined order for specific ethnic groups. For instance, in a three-term cycle, the first is reserved for Chinese candidates, the second for Malay candidates, and the third for Indian or other ethnic group candidates.
Why not?
The Commission says this model has the "elegance of simplicity" but is objectionable for two reasons:
- Inflexible and rigid, with no regard to other considerations, and the possibility of disproportionate representation.
- The model might continue to operate regardless of any progress Singapore makes towards an ideal race-blind society, and may hinder such progress.
III. YES/NO VOTE
What?
A single candidate is nominated by a committee and confirmed by Parliament, before being put to a yes/no vote by the electorate.
Why not?
The Commission has rejected this model, saying that voters may repeatedly disagree with the nominees put out, leading to an unending cycle of referendums. On a more fundamental level, such a system gives Parliament veto power over the appointment of the President, even though the latter is meant to be a check on the Government.
IV. A CANDIDATE FROM THE CPA
What?
A revised Council of Presidential Advisers will comprise two elected members (from national elections) and four appointed members. The CPA will then choose among themselves who to be President.
Why not?
The Commission disagrees with this suggestion for two reasons:
- This politicises the functioning of the CPA, and impacts its independence.
- There is a higher chance that the President might come from the four appointed members, instead of the two elected ones, which could upset the electorate.
V. Hiatus-triggered safeguards
What?
An election would be reserved for a particular minority race if that group has not been represented in the Presidency for five terms, or 30 years.
Why?
The Commission backs this as "the best model...entailing the lowest degree of intrusiveness". This proposal also contains what is called a “natural sunset”, that is, the need for a "reserved election" would never be triggered if free and unregulated elections produce Presidents from different races. This provision kicks in only when no member of a particular minority group has occupied the Presidency for a long period.
TIMELINE OF SINGAPORE'S PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM