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SINGAPORE : The opposition National Solidarity Party (NSP) has welcomed the proposed amendments to the electoral system, calling them "long overdue".
But the NSP described them as "half-hearted" attempts.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said his government will shrink the size of Group Representation Constituencies (GRC); ensure a minimum of nine opposition MPs in the House; and make Nominated MPs a permanent feature of the parliamentary system.
These, according to Mr Lee, are aimed at better reflecting the "aspirations of Singaporeans", and to encourage more diverse views in the House.
But in a statement to the media on Friday, the NSP called for the government to have just three members in each GRC.
It also said that single-member constituencies should form at least one-third of seats, as this would stretch their capabilities better.
It also suggested that the sum of electoral deposits be reduced "to a more affordable sum" of S$5,000 for each candidate.
This, it said, will encourage "greater participation from the interested public".
The NSP also called for electoral boundaries to be made public at least six months before elections to "dispel any charge of gerrymandering". - CNA /ls
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