Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Guide.
Hong Kong's LegCo serves as a mini parliament with the mandate to enact and revise laws for the territory. Yet, polls for this council have experienced a notable absence in genuine political alternatives amid sweeping political changes in the past few years.
After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a model of "one country, two systems" was established, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a level of autonomy. In the years since, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Major Events and Shifts
Back in 2014, a bill was tabled that would have allow residents to elect the head of government. Notably, this process was limited to candidates vetted by Beijing.
During 2019 saw widespread protests, including an episode where demonstrators accessed the government building to voice opposition against a controversial law.
The Impact of the NSL
Passed in 2020, the NSL handed unprecedented powers to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as collusion were outlawed. In the wake of this law, all significant political group disbanded.
The Present Electoral Process
The council polls are viewed as Hong Kong's primary democratic process. Nevertheless, regulations established in 2021 now guarantee that only individuals deemed loyal are eligible to stand for election.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Other Positions: The rest are selected by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Recent drafted rules would mandate legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Voter Behavior
Amid most avenues for dissent now curtailed, not voting has become one of the remaining safe ways for residents to express dissent. As a result record low participation rates in the latest LegCo contests.
