PARLIAMENTARY GENERAL ELECTION 1968
This very first GE for Parliament saw the longest campaigning period ever in Singapore history and also the shortest time Parliament was convened after a GE. Following the resignations of 11 BS Members of Parliament and exodus of two BS MPs from Singapore to escape the Internal Security Department, the legislature was left with only PAP MPs. An Electoral Boundaries Delineation Committee was formed to study the current demarcations, due to an increase in population, and presented its findings on 25 August 1967. The Parliamentary Membership Bill to carve out seven new constituencies was read on 31 October 1967 and passed on 14 November 1967. BS boycotted the GE on the grounds that Singapore's independence was "phoney" and several opposition parties heeded its call. Chiefs of PKMS (former UMNO) Ahmad Haji Taff and SCP (former MCA) Chng Boon Eng turned up but did not file their nominations. Owing to this, three precedents were set - the least number of seats contested in a GE, the first time PAP returned to power on nomination day and the first time a party won all seats in the legislature. For over four decades, walkovers became a significant feature in every GE. 1st Parliament dissolution: 8 February 1968 [Thu] Eligible voters: 759,367 Election deposit: $500
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