1966 First Parliamentary By-election

The 1966 by-election was the first election held in the Republic of Singapore following its independence on 9 August 1965. This by-election, conducted to fill a vacant seat in the newly-formed Parliament, marked a significant moment in Singapore’s political history, as the country transitioned from a state within Malaysia to an independent nation.

Background

The first Parliament of Singapore, which replaced the Legislative Assembly, convened on 8 December 1965, four months after independence. However, the main opposition party, Barisan Sosialis, denounced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia as "phoney," claiming that the decision to leave Malaysia should have been debated in Parliament. Barisan’s chairman, Lee Siew Choh, announced a boycott of parliamentary proceedings and instructed Barisan Members of Parliament (MPs) not to attend sittings, opting instead to protest on the streets.

This strategy led to the resignation of Barisan MP and parliamentary opposition leader Lim Huan Boon from his seat on 31 December 1965. The very next day, on New Year’s Day, Lim was expelled from Barisan. His resignation triggered Singapore’s first parliamentary by-election.

Election Details

• Writ of Election Issued: 3 January 1966 (Monday)
• Nomination Day: 8 January 1966 (Saturday)
• Polling Day: 18 January 1966 (Tuesday)
• Swearing-In Ceremony: 23 February 1966 (Wednesday)
• Eligible Voters: 13,209
• Voter Turnout: 11,346 (85.9%)
• Election Deposit: $500

Results

The by-election saw active participation, with a high voter turnout of 85.9%. This was indicative of the electorate’s engagement during Singapore’s early years as an independent republic. The seat was contested by candidates representing the dominant PAP and opposition voices, reflecting the evolving political dynamics of the time.

Significance

The 1966 by-election was significant for several reasons:

1. Transition to Sovereignty: It was the first election held after Singapore’s independence, showcasing the new republic’s ability to conduct democratic processes.
2. Barisan’s Boycott: Barisan’s decision to boycott Parliament highlighted the deep political divisions and ideological conflicts during Singapore’s early years. The boycott weakened the party’s parliamentary presence and its ability to influence policy through institutional means.
3. Political Stability: The by-election reaffirmed the PAP’s political dominance in Singapore’s nascent parliamentary democracy and set the stage for its long-standing governance.