Redditor asks why Singapore needs GRCs rather than purely SMCs
As many Singaporeans are still reeling over the 2025 General Election (GE2025) results, a Redditor reignited the long-running debate over Singapore’s Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system.
“Why is there a need for GRC? Why not all be SMCs?” asked the Redditor.
Other users have since explained the authorities’ rationale for implementing the GRC scheme. They also shared some of the supposed implications of having such a system.
Redditor feels GRCs should be split into SMCs
On Tuesday (6 May), a Redditor took to the AskSingapore Subreddit to ask about the rationale behind grouping several Members of Parliament (MP) into a single GRC when each seem to manage different areas.
Using Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC as an example, the OP pointed out that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong oversees Limbang, Alex Yam covers Yew Tee, Hany Soh manages Woodgrove, and Zaqy Mohamad looks after Marsiling.
“Why would they be grouped together?” the Reddit user asked. The thread quickly gained traction, prompting thoughtful responses from other netizens.
Netizens have mixed feelings about GRCs
Many netizens were quick to remind the OP about the “official reason” of ensuring minority representation.
Source: Reddit
At the same time, many users alluded to “unofficial” reasons, claiming the scheme benefits the incumbent party.
Source: Reddit
One Redditor went as far as to compare the PAP’s anchor ministers in each GRC to a Mobile Legends hero that carries the entire team.
Source: Reddit
Another user offered a more balanced view. Despite being of the opinion that the GRC scheme benefits the incumbent party, they conceded that “no system is perfect”. 
Source: Reddit
More SMCs and GRCs as population increased
As Singapore’s population increased over the years, so has the number of GRCs and Single Member Constituencies (SMC).
Since 2011, the number of GRCs has risen from 11 to 15. SMCs, too, increased from 12 to 15 over the same period.
During this period, the number of Members of Parliament increased from 87 to 97.
This is in response to an increase of over 400,000 registered voters since 2011, rising from 2.35 million in 2011 to about 2.75 million in 2025.
Also read: MS Polls: 42% upset with redrawn GRCs & SMCs, 39% welcome the changes
MS Polls: 42% upset with redrawn GRCs & SMCs, 39% welcome the changes
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Featured image adapted from Lawrence Wong on Facebook.
