Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Quick Guide.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo operates as a law-making body with the authority to pass and change statutes for the territory. However, electoral processes for this council have seen a notable absence in substantive competing voices amid major systemic overhauls in the past few years.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would keep a level of independence. In the years since, analysts argue that these freedoms have been increasingly eroded.
Key Events and Shifts
Back in 2014, a proposal was tabled that would have allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Critically, the selection was restricted to candidates sanctioned by the mainland government.
During 2019 was marked by months of unrest, which featured an event where demonstrators entered the legislative complex to express anger against a contentious legal amendment.
The Consequence of the Security Legislation
Enacted in June 2020, the National Security Law handed unprecedented powers to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Conduct such as subversion were criminalized. After this law, all significant democratic party ceased operations.
The Current Election Process
LegCo elections are viewed as Hong Kong's main political exercise. Nevertheless, rules introduced in 2021 now ensure that only hopefuls deemed loyal are able to contest seats.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Other Positions: The rest are selected by a pro-establishment committee.
- Proposed Standards: Recent suggested rules would compel legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Public Response
Given most avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has become one of the remaining safe ways for residents to register discontent. This has led to record low participation rates in recent LegCo polls.
