Observation

This was another popular question and was attempted by almost all the candidates.   The performance of the candidates who answered it was good as they really understood its demands. However, some candidates did not do well in the (b) part and they scored low marks by listing the points without further explanations. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question.
           
(a)        A constituency is an electoral district where the electorate exercises their right to elect their representatives into government/parliament.

(b)(i)    Community support – single member constituency encourages candidates who are community based.
(ii)        Better knowledge of candidates – it enables the voters to have a better knowledge of their candidates.
(iii)       Active interest – it stimulates the interests of the voters in the election.
(iv)       Easy to operate – it is easy to practice as the winners emerge easily.
(v)        Reduce cost – it is not costly as opposed to multi-member constituency election where election materials and personnel are fewer.
(vi)       Promotes political stability – the system makes it easy for a party/candidate to win a majority in the legislature and thus maintain political stability.
(vii)      The constituencies are small and therefore it makes accountability to be enforced.
(viii)     The small size of the constituencies makes personal contacts between voters and representatives possible and easier.