FIFTEEN candidates taking part in the Bukit Selambau by-election on April 7 is a mind-boggling record. Too many standing in one constituency doesn’t seem right. Can it really be that every one of those candidates wants to be an elected representative?

I think the Election Commission should put on its thinking cap and reduce the number of candidates, without, of course, compromising the ideals and practice of democracy and free elections. As the prime minister says, given such a wide field of candidates, the eventual winner might obtain a victory that may not be truly reflective of the support of the people in the constituency.

BULBIR SINGH, Seremban

Source: NST – March 31, 2009