Understanding LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Brief Overview.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo operates as a regional legislature with the authority to pass and change statutes for the region. However, electoral processes for this council have seen a notable absence in meaningful opposition amid significant governance transformations in the last decade.
Following the 1997 handover, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would keep a degree of independence. Gradually, observers note that civil liberties have been steadily diminished.
Significant Developments and Reforms
In 2014, a proposal was put forward that would have allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Importantly, any such election was confined to nominees sanctioned by central authorities.
The year 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, which featured an event where residents accessed the legislative complex to voice opposition against a proposed extradition bill.
The Effect of the National Security Law
Implemented in June 2020, the security legislation provided unprecedented powers to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Conduct such as collusion were made illegal. After this law, all significant democratic party ceased operations.
Today's Electoral System
The council polls are viewed as Hong Kong's key democratic event. But, rules introduced in 2021 now ensure that only individuals deemed loyal are able to contest seats.
- Distribution of Seats: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Other Positions: The balance are selected by a special interest groups.
- Proposed Standards: Recent proposed rules would require legislators to unequivocally back Beijing's jurisdiction.
Public Response
Given most avenues for dissent now curtailed, abstaining from voting has been seen as one of the few safe ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently unprecedentedly low participation rates in subsequent LegCo elections.
