Defining the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong SAR: A Quick Overview.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council serves as a law-making body with the authority to pass and change laws for the territory. Nonetheless, elections for this council have seen a significant decline in genuine political alternatives against a backdrop of significant political changes in the past few years.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a model of "one country, two systems" was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a level of independence. In the years since, observers note that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Significant Events and Changes
In 2014, a proposal was tabled that was designed to allow residents to elect the Chief Executive. Critically, the selection was restricted to contenders vetted by central authorities.
During 2019 was marked by months of demonstrations, including an incident where residents accessed the government building to voice opposition against a contentious extradition bill.
The Impact of the National Security Law
Implemented in mid-2020, the security legislation granted new legal tools to the mainland over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as collusion were made illegal. After this law, every major democratic party disbanded.
The Present Electoral Framework
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's primary electoral process. But, regulations introduced in the past few years now ensure that only candidates deemed loyal are eligible to contest seats.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- The Majority: The rest are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Recent drafted requirements would require legislators to publicly support the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
With many avenues for dissent now curtailed, not voting has been seen as one of the few legal ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently unprecedentedly low participation rates in subsequent LegCo contests.
