One candidate, five parliamentary seats

First, when one candidate wins from multiple constituencies, by-elections become a necessity. Granted that elections are expensive, why have a second round by-election unless absolutely warranted (e.g., unexpected death of an MP)? Since by-elections occur after the regular election, by-elections simply add to the expenses incurred during the regular election. This additional expense is incurred because candidates are allowed to simultaneously run for five parliamentary seats. While the candidate running for multiple seats effectively increases his/her chances of securing a parliamentary seat, the additional expenses of a by-election are borne partly by the public. Thus, the provision to run for up to five parliamentary seats enables candidates to benefit partly at the public's expense.

Second, does by-election pose undue hardship for a certain class of candidates? Compared to the financial strength of a candidate running simultaneously for multiple seats, the financial strengths of candidates competing against them are usually drastically less. These candidates tend to not only lose in the election, but also become financially worse off by by-election time. A fresh candidate didn't have to spend money for the regular election and stands on a higher ground compared to his/her competitors (who competed and lost in the regular election). Such unevenness is artificial because the fresh candidate is literally tag-teaming the opponents.

Third, when a candidate wins in multiple constituencies, he/she keeps one constituency and relinquishes the others. During the by-election, voters must vote for a different person who runs in place of the multi-seat winning candidate. In this circumstance, it is normal for voters to be confused about their true representative.

Fourth, the problem of a “regular-election-following by-election” becomes further complicated as voters in that constituency already know of the ruling party. It is plausible that voters who earlier voted for the candidate who did not represent the ruling party will now vote for the candidate who represents the ruling party (i.e., to make their vote 'count'). This possibility can further reduce the opposition party's number of parliamentary seats.

Lastly, although such has never been the case, it is hypothetically possible to have two of our major opposition parties to win exactly equal number of seats. If both parties have candidates winning from multiple seats, the government cannot be formed till by-elections take place. Such a delay can put the country in a limbo.

In light of the above mentioned drawbacks of allowing candidates to run in up to five constituencies, some possible reforms ought to be discussed in the parliament. Clearly, it is too late to discuss such a sensitive issue at the moment. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the next government will carefully evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the multi-constituency election provision.