Defining LegCo in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Overview.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo serves as a regional legislature with the authority to create and amend legislation for the territory. Yet, elections for this assembly have witnessed a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of sweeping political changes in the last decade.
After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of a dual-system arrangement was established, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a degree of self-governance. In the years since, critics contend that democratic rights have been steadily diminished.
Significant Developments and Changes
During 2014, a proposal was introduced that would have allow residents to vote for the head of government. Importantly, any such election was restricted to contenders vetted by the mainland government.
The year 2019 was marked by widespread demonstrations, including an incident where demonstrators accessed the parliamentary premises to express anger against a controversial legal amendment.
The Consequence of the National Security Law
Passed in 2020, the National Security Law granted unprecedented powers to central authorities over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as collusion were made illegal. After this law, all significant opposition organization ceased operations.
The Current Election System
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's key democratic event. Nevertheless, rules introduced in recent years now stipulate that only candidates deemed "patriots" are permitted to run for office.
- Membership Structure: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- Other Positions: The rest are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Newly drafted requirements would require legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Voter Behavior
Amid other means of expression now curtailed, abstaining from voting has become one of the few peaceful ways for residents to express dissent. As a result record low voter turnout in recent LegCo elections.
