Deviation in Size of Constituencies Made by Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

5 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Prime Minister (a) whether the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has allowed the size of each constituency to deviate by up to 30%, instead of 20% previously, from the mean size of constituencies since 1980 and, if so, why; (b) whether the terms of reference to EBRC should include an instruction to "ensure more equal representation"; and (c) if not, will such an instruction be re-inserted into the terms of reference for subsequent EBRCs.

Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Since 1980, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has adopted a planning norm of ±30% variation in the average number of electors per Member of Parliament in its review of electoral boundaries.

This approach balances the considerations for fair representation, with the need for more adjustments to the electoral boundaries arising from population shifts.