Defining LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A 30-Second Explanation.
Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a regional legislature with the mandate to pass and change laws for the region. However, polls for this council have experienced a significant decline in genuine political alternatives amid sweeping political transformations in the past few years.
After the return to Chinese administration, a principle of "one country, two systems" was put in place, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a degree of independence. Gradually, analysts argue that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.
Significant Events and Shifts
Back in 2014, a bill was introduced that aimed to allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Critically, this process was limited to candidates pre-approved by the mainland government.
In 2019 experienced widespread protests, including an event where demonstrators accessed the parliamentary premises to demonstrate against a controversial extradition bill.
The Effect of the Security Legislation
Implemented in June 2020, the security legislation handed unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's affairs. Conduct such as secession were made illegal. Following this law, the primary democratic party dissolved.
The Current Electoral Framework
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's primary electoral process. However, rules established in recent years now stipulate that only candidates deemed pro-establishment are able to contest seats.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Other Positions: The rest are chosen by a special interest groups.
- New Rules: Recent drafted standards would compel legislators to "sincerely support" the mainland's oversight.
Public Response
With other avenues for dissent now curtailed, not voting has been seen as one of the remaining legal ways for residents to express dissent. Consequently historically low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo elections.
