Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Guide.
Hong Kong's LegCo serves as a law-making body with the power to pass and change laws for the city. Yet, elections for this assembly have seen a notable absence in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of significant systemic overhauls in the past few years.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of a dual-system arrangement was established, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a measure of self-governance. In the years since, analysts argue that these freedoms have been increasingly eroded.
Major Milestones and Changes
In 2014, legislation was introduced that would have allow residents to elect the city's leader. Critically, any such election was limited to contenders vetted by Beijing.
The year 2019 saw months of unrest, which featured an incident where protesters breached the government building to express anger against a contentious extradition bill.
The Effect of the NSL
Implemented in 2020, the security legislation granted unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as secession were outlawed. Following this law, every major political group dissolved.
Today's Election Process
The council polls are regarded as Hong Kong's main electoral exercise. However, regulations established in recent years now ensure that only individuals deemed pro-establishment are eligible to run for office.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The balance are chosen by a special interest groups.
- Proposed Standards: Newly drafted standards would mandate legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Voter Behavior
Given many forms of protest now restricted, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to show disapproval. Consequently unprecedentedly low participation rates in recent LegCo polls.
