Understanding the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong SAR: A Quick Overview.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a regional legislature with the mandate to pass and change laws for the territory. However, electoral processes for this body have seen a significant decline in substantive competing voices during a period of significant governance changes in the last decade.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a model of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of independence. Gradually, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Significant Milestones and Changes
In 2014, a bill was tabled that was designed to allow residents to choose the head of government. Critically, the selection was limited to nominees vetted by central authorities.
The year 2019 experienced months of unrest, including an episode where protesters accessed the parliamentary premises to voice opposition against a contentious legal amendment.
The Effect of the National Security Law
Passed in June 2020, the NSL granted unprecedented powers to the mainland over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as secession were outlawed. Following this law, every major political group disbanded.
Today's Electoral System
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main democratic exercise. However, laws established in 2021 now guarantee that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are permitted to run for office.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- Remaining Seats: The balance are appointed by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally drafted standards would compel legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
Amid many means of expression now curtailed, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the few peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. As a result unprecedentedly low participation rates in the latest LegCo polls.
