1966 Parliamentary By-election (November)

The November 1966 parliamentary by-elections marked the third and final round of by-elections held in Singapore during the same year—the only instance in the nation’s history of three separate by-election rounds in a single year. The elections occurred amidst Barisan Sosialis’ continued boycott of Parliament and its self-proclaimed "struggle for democracy."

Background

The November by-elections were triggered by a new wave of resignations from Barisan Sosialis Members of Parliament, sanctioned by the party as part of its boycott strategy. The resignations included:

1. Chia Thye Poh: Resigned on 7 October 1966 but was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on 29 October 1966. Chia refused to admit or renounce his alleged communist ties, leading to his detention for 23 years. He became the world’s second-longest-serving political prisoner after South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.
2. Lee Tee Tong: Resigned on the same day as Chia Thye Poh. Lee was detained for nearly three years under the ISA and released in 1981 after serving 17 years.
3. Fong Kim Heng: A PAP MP, Fong requested to retire due to poor health on 18 October 1966, adding to the number of vacant seats.

By-Elections

All contested seats were won uncontested by PAP candidates, maintaining the party’s dominance. Among the new MPs was Ho Kah Leong, who became Singapore’s youngest MP until 2011.

Election Details

• Writ of Election Issued: 27 October 1966 (Thursday)
• Nomination Day: 2 November 1966 (Wednesday)
• Swearing-In Ceremony: 5 December 1966 (Monday)
• Electorate: 39,371
• Election Deposit: $500

Significance

The November 1966 by-elections were significant for several reasons:

1. Barisan Sosialis Boycott: The resignations were emblematic of Barisan’s continued refusal to engage in parliamentary processes, signaling the party’s waning influence and eventual decline as a political force.
2. ISA Detentions: The detentions of Chia Thye Poh and Lee Tee Tong highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding alleged communist activity and the use of the Internal Security Act during Singapore’s early years of independence.
3. PAP Consolidation: The uncontested victories underscored the PAP’s unchallenged dominance in Singapore’s political landscape during this period.
4. Youngest MP: The election of Ho Kah Leong, Singapore’s youngest MP at the time, represented a generational shift and the emergence of younger leaders within the PAP.