Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a law-making body with the mandate to enact and revise statutes for the city. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have seen a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices amid sweeping political changes in the last decade.
Following the 1997 handover, a model of a dual-system arrangement was established, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a degree of autonomy. Gradually, observers note that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Major Events and Changes
Back in 2014, legislation was put forward that aimed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Importantly, this process was restricted to candidates vetted by central authorities.
In 2019 was marked by extensive demonstrations, culminating in an incident where demonstrators entered the parliamentary premises to express anger against a contentious law.
The Impact of the NSL
Implemented in mid-2020, the security legislation granted extensive authority to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as subversion were made illegal. Following this law, the primary democratic party dissolved.
The Present Electoral Process
Elections for the legislature are considered Hong Kong's primary democratic exercise. However, laws enacted in 2021 now stipulate that only candidates deemed loyal are permitted to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Other Positions: The rest are chosen by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Recent proposed requirements would require legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Electoral Turnout
With most avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has been seen as one of the limited peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. As a result unprecedentedly low participation rates in the latest LegCo polls.
