Understanding the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong SAR: A Brief Explanation.
Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a law-making body with the power to pass and change legislation for the city. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have seen a notable absence in meaningful opposition against a backdrop of major governance changes in the past few years.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a framework of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a degree of independence. Over time, observers note that these freedoms have been increasingly eroded.
Major Developments and Shifts
In 2014, legislation was tabled that would have allow residents to elect the Chief Executive. Importantly, any such election was restricted to nominees pre-approved by the mainland government.
In 2019 experienced extensive unrest, which featured an incident where demonstrators accessed the parliamentary premises to demonstrate against a contentious extradition bill.
The Consequence of the NSL
Passed in mid-2020, the National Security Law handed new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as subversion were criminalized. Following this law, all significant democratic party dissolved.
The Current Electoral System
LegCo elections are viewed as Hong Kong's main democratic event. But, regulations established in the past few years now ensure that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are able to run for office.
- Distribution of Seats: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- The Majority: The majority are appointed by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally proposed standards would compel legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Voter Behavior
Amid other forms of protest now curtailed, not voting has emerged as one of the remaining legal ways for residents to show disapproval. As a result record low participation rates in recent LegCo contests.