Why no by-election for Marine Parade GRC after MP resignation?

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No By-election Required for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC Following MP Resignation

A by-election will not be held in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC following the resignation of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. The People's Action Party (PAP) has confirmed that the remaining elected Members of Parliament (MPs) for the constituency will assume his responsibilities, ensuring continued representation for residents. This decision aligns with existing electoral laws and historical precedents within Singapore's parliamentary system.
Legal Framework for Group Representation Constituencies

Under Singaporean law, a by-election is not automatically triggered in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) when a single MP resigns. The law stipulates that a by-election is only mandatory if all elected MPs within that GRC vacate their seats. In the case of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, with only one MP having resigned, the remaining elected members are legally permitted to continue serving the constituency until the next general election.
Historical Precedents for MP Resignations

This situation is not unprecedented in Singapore. Similar circumstances have occurred in other GRCs, where the departure of an MP did not necessitate a by-election. For instance, in 2023, when Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam stepped down from Jurong GRC to contest the presidential election, the remaining MPs continued their duties. Likewise, in 2021, the resignation of Raeesah Khan from Sengkang GRC did not lead to a by-election, with her former colleagues absorbing her responsibilities.
PAP's Stance on Integrity and Public Trust

The PAP has reiterated its commitment to upholding strict integrity standards for all political office holders. The party emphasised that accountability and the preservation of public trust are paramount, even over retaining specific ministerial or parliamentary positions. This stance underscores the importance placed on ethical conduct and the need for decisive action when standards fall short, as articulated by PAP chairman Desmond Lee in relation to Faishal Ibrahim's resignation due to a lapse in judgment.

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Why no by-election for Marine Parade GRC after MP resignation?

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