What is the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Quick Guide.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a regional legislature with the power to create and amend legislation for the city. Nonetheless, electoral processes for this body have witnessed a notable absence in substantive competing voices amid significant political changes in the past few years.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of a dual-system arrangement was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a level of independence. In the years since, critics contend that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Major Events and Changes
During 2014, a proposal was put forward that was designed to allow residents to vote for the Chief Executive. Critically, this process was restricted to candidates sanctioned by the mainland government.
The year 2019 was marked by extensive protests, including an incident where residents breached the parliamentary premises to voice opposition against a contentious law.
The Impact of the Security Legislation
Implemented in June 2020, the National Security Law provided unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as collusion were outlawed. In the wake of this law, every major political group disbanded.
Today's Electoral Framework
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main political event. However, regulations established in 2021 now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are permitted to stand for election.
- Membership Structure: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- The Majority: The majority are appointed by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally drafted requirements would require legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Voter Behavior
Amid many forms of protest now restricted, abstaining from voting has become one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to express dissent. As a result unprecedentedly low electoral engagement in the latest LegCo polls.
