Understanding LegCo in Hong Kong: A Brief Guide.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council serves as a law-making body with the power to pass and change legislation for the region. However, electoral processes for this council have experienced a significant decline in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of sweeping systemic overhauls in recent years.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was established, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a measure of autonomy. Over time, critics contend that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Significant Milestones and Changes
During 2014, a bill was tabled that aimed to allow residents to choose the head of government. Notably, the selection was confined to contenders vetted by the mainland government.
In 2019 experienced extensive protests, which featured an episode where demonstrators entered the parliamentary premises to express anger against a controversial legal amendment.
The Consequence of the National Security Law
Enacted in mid-2020, the security legislation provided extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as subversion were outlawed. After this law, all significant democratic party disbanded.
The Current Electoral Framework
The council polls are regarded as Hong Kong's primary democratic exercise. However, regulations established in 2021 now ensure that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are eligible to stand for election.
- Membership Structure: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Remaining Seats: The rest are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
- Proposed Standards: Recent proposed rules would compel legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Public Response
With many forms of protest now curtailed, not voting has become one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. This has led to record low participation rates in recent LegCo elections.
