Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Brief Overview.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo serves as a law-making body with the power to pass and change laws for the city. Yet, elections for this body have experienced a significant decline in meaningful opposition during a period of major political transformations in recent years.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of a dual-system arrangement was established, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a level of autonomy. Over time, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Major Events and Reforms
In 2014, a proposal was tabled that was designed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Critically, any such election was restricted to candidates vetted by Beijing.
The year 2019 experienced extensive protests, including an episode where residents accessed the parliamentary premises to demonstrate against a contentious extradition bill.
The Consequence of the NSL
Implemented in 2020, the National Security Law provided new legal tools to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as subversion were outlawed. Following this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
The Present Electoral Process
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main electoral exercise. However, regulations established in recent years now stipulate that only individuals deemed pro-establishment are able to contest seats.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- The Majority: The majority are appointed by a pro-establishment committee.
- Proposed Standards: Newly drafted requirements would compel legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
Amid most means of expression now criminalized, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the limited legal ways for residents to register discontent. As a result historically low voter turnout in the latest LegCo elections.
