Study of spoilt votes shows interesting pattern

May 12, 2006
The Straits Times

MS PHYLLIS Christe ('Strong mandate? I beg to differ'; ST, May 9) is right in stating that every vote that was lost 'represents a voice that is asking for accountability...'. This is also true of votes lost through being rejected. On average this was 2.2 per cent of valid votes for the 16 contested constituencies.

However, an interesting pattern emerges when we group these constituencies according to which opposition parties contested them, leaving Hougang and Potong Pasir aside.

The highest levels of rejected votes were in the two areas where SDP lost to PAP (3.23 and 3.18 per cent), an average of 3.21 per cent. SDA-contested wards lost an average of 2.47 per cent of votes in this manner. Those in which WP faced off with PAP lost 1.93 per cent.

Hougang and Potong Pasir averaged only 1.25 per cent of rejected votes. The atypical levels at either end of the spectrum bear scrutiny. Might it be that there are sufficient numbers of voters preferring to spoil their votes when faced with a choice of SDP or PAP? Are these voters (over 5,000 in Sembawang) saying, 'I do not have a choice. I want an opposition, but I do not want SDP looking after me!'?

At the other end, was it the possibility of losing their incumbent opposition MPs that propelled Hougang and Potong Pasir residents to carefully exercise their once-in-five-years opportunity to express their choice?

I note also that in Aljunied and both Nee Soon wards, rejected votes made up less than 1.8 per cent.

I urge PAP to reflect on the message these 'abstention voters' are sending. There are constituents who, while not opting for a particular opposition party, have 'opted out' of supporting PAP.

The message is also pertinent for the opposition.

While Singaporeans want an opposition, this is not a carte blanche for just any opposition. We are discerning enough to opt for quality.

Chia Boon Beng