Defining the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Brief Guide.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a regional legislature with the authority to pass and change legislation for the territory. Nonetheless, elections for this assembly have experienced a significant decline in genuine political alternatives amid significant systemic changes in the last decade.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a framework of a dual-system arrangement was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would keep a degree of independence. Gradually, critics contend that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Major Events and Changes
Back in 2014, a proposal was tabled that aimed to allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Notably, the selection was limited to contenders sanctioned by central authorities.
In 2019 saw extensive demonstrations, which featured an event where residents breached the parliamentary premises to express anger against a proposed law.
The Consequence of the NSL
Passed in mid-2020, the National Security Law granted new legal tools to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as secession were outlawed. Following this law, all significant political group ceased operations.
The Present Election System
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main electoral exercise. However, laws enacted in recent years now ensure that only candidates deemed pro-establishment are eligible to run for office.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Remaining Seats: The majority are selected by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally drafted standards would compel legislators to publicly support central authority.
Electoral Turnout
Given other forms of protest now curtailed, not voting has emerged as one of the few peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. As a result unprecedentedly low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo polls.
