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Defining LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Quick Explanation.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a mini parliament with the power to enact and revise statutes for the territory. Yet, electoral processes for this assembly have experienced a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of significant governance changes in recent years.
After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of self-governance. Over time, analysts argue that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.
Significant Developments and Changes
Back in 2014, a bill was put forward that was designed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Critically, any such election was confined to candidates vetted by Beijing.
In 2019 saw months of demonstrations, culminating in an event where demonstrators accessed the government building to demonstrate against a controversial law.
The Effect of the National Security Law
Passed in 2020, the NSL provided new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as collusion were criminalized. Following this law, the primary opposition organization dissolved.
The Current Election Process
Elections for the legislature are regarded as Hong Kong's primary democratic process. But, rules enacted in recent years now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are eligible to stand for election.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The rest are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally suggested rules would mandate legislators to "sincerely support" Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
With most avenues for dissent now restricted, voter abstention has been seen as one of the limited safe ways for residents to express dissent. This has led to historically low voter turnout in recent LegCo elections.
Christine Klein
An avid explorer and travel writer with over a decade of experience in documenting remote destinations and outdoor adventures.
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