Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Brief Explanation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo serves as a regional legislature with the mandate to enact and revise statutes for the territory. Yet, polls for this body have experienced a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices amid significant governance transformations in the past few years.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a model of "one country, two systems" was established, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a measure of self-governance. Gradually, analysts argue that democratic rights have been systematically curtailed.
Major Events and Changes
Back in 2014, a bill was put forward that would have allow residents to choose the head of government. Critically, the selection was limited to contenders pre-approved by central authorities.
In 2019 experienced widespread protests, culminating in an episode where residents breached the government building to demonstrate against a proposed legal amendment.
The Consequence of the NSL
Passed in mid-2020, the NSL provided extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as secession were criminalized. After this law, all significant political group dissolved.
The Current Election Process
LegCo elections are regarded as Hong Kong's key democratic exercise. However, regulations introduced in recent years now stipulate that only individuals deemed "patriots" are eligible to contest seats.
- Distribution of Seats: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The majority are selected by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Recent proposed requirements would mandate legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
With many forms of protest now restricted, not voting has emerged as one of the few peaceful ways for residents to show disapproval. This has led to record low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo contests.
