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Book Review: Global Citizens' Manifesto by eShan

The author eShan is an IT industry veteran and a naturalized citizen of Singapore. He has been closely watching the republic structure of the Lion City for many years. From the outer façade, Singapore looks like a sound representative of republic and functional democracy, but a close look reveals that its operating system has corrupted. Since its independence in 1965, the country has not yet seen any other ruling party except PAP (People's Action Party). It makes sense that after 58 years of rule, the party has captured over the quintessential fabric of the country’s republic.


Singapore is a developed economy, peace prevails there, and it houses elected representatives – yet political diversity is missing from the soul of the democracy. In 2023 the commotion around president elections questioned the ethical mechanism of PAP’s manifesto – is it republic friendly party or heading towards electoral dictatorship.

Republics and democracies are being implemented across the world. The author has put out Singapore’s specific context, however, the concerning message is for all republics around the globe. eShan questions the veracity of system that is bounds its republic. The world has been trundling on representative mode for a long time. Now is the time to shift on “Direct” mode. Instead of representative system, this book lays emphasis on direct representatives that carry the weight of policies.

As the book chugs ahead with its scope on republic system, it sheds light on open feedback, criticism, audits, reforms, voting process and much more. In one of his advice, he advocates for alternatives instead of opposition. Further, his insight on the digital electoral process is worth considering, however, he also raises concerns for cyber warfare. The author paints a perfect picture of a republic working mechanism through his thought-provoking frameworks that can be considered by any country that values its people, not just policies after being elected for an unknown tenure.

This book takes readers across the political landscape of Singapore. By the end of the book they will be able to figure out – is everything alright or there is scope of improvement as concentration of power is inevitable.

The nature and narrative of the book is philosophical, and one may feel that the author is a regular columnist at some newspaper. With no language gap, eShan values his concerning thoughts in an ossifying republic that has set examples for other countries in many indexes. Like a doctor, he delves deep in the anatomy of republic of Singapore and makes a health report card.

The book reads like a contemporary reportage, eShan chronicles his theories, assumptions, insights with fascinating yet subtle appeal for people watching the dance of democracies and republics like mute spectators. Absolutely, it is a book that is written with unflinching courage.

The book is available to buy from Amazon/Kindle

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