Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a law-making body with the mandate to pass and change laws for the city. Yet, electoral processes for this assembly have seen a significant decline in substantive competing voices amid significant systemic transformations in the past few years.
After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one country, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a degree of self-governance. Over time, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Key Milestones and Reforms
During 2014, a proposal was introduced that was designed to allow residents to vote for the city's leader. Importantly, the selection was restricted to candidates pre-approved by Beijing.
In 2019 experienced widespread unrest, which featured an incident where demonstrators breached the legislative complex to voice opposition against a proposed law.
The Effect of the NSL
Enacted in mid-2020, the National Security Law provided new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's governance. Acts such as secession were outlawed. In the wake of this law, all significant political group disbanded.
Today's Electoral Framework
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's main electoral event. Nevertheless, regulations established in the past few years now guarantee that only candidates deemed pro-establishment are permitted to contest seats.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- Other Positions: The balance are appointed by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Newly drafted standards would mandate legislators to "sincerely support" the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
Amid most forms of protest now restricted, not voting has become one of the few peaceful ways for residents to show disapproval. Consequently historically low participation rates in the latest LegCo contests.
