Hong Kong's LegCo serves as a mini parliament with the power to enact and revise statutes for the city. Yet, polls for this council have experienced a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of significant governance changes in recent years.
Subsequent to the 1997 handover, a framework of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a degree of autonomy. Gradually, analysts argue that civil liberties have been steadily diminished.
Major Developments and Shifts
In 2014, legislation was put forward that aimed to allow residents to vote for the Chief Executive. Notably, this process was confined to candidates sanctioned by Beijing.
The year 2019 experienced widespread unrest, including an event where residents accessed the legislative complex to demonstrate against a contentious legal amendment.
The Consequence of the NSL
Implemented in 2020, the National Security Law granted unprecedented powers to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Acts such as secession were criminalized. Following this law, the primary democratic party dissolved.
The Present Election System
Elections for the legislature are regarded as Hong Kong's main electoral process. Nevertheless, laws enacted in 2021 now stipulate that only individuals deemed "patriots" are eligible to run for office.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The rest are selected by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Newly drafted standards would mandate legislators to publicly support central authority.
Electoral Turnout
Given many avenues for dissent now curtailed, not voting has become one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently historically low voter turnout in subsequent LegCo contests.
