What is the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong SAR: A 30-Second Overview.
Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a law-making body with the authority to enact and revise statutes for the city. Yet, polls for this body have witnessed a notable absence in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of sweeping governance changes in the past few years.
After the return to Chinese administration, a model of "one country, two systems" was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a measure of autonomy. In the years since, critics contend that democratic rights have been systematically curtailed.
Major Developments and Reforms
Back in 2014, a proposal was put forward that aimed to allow residents to elect the head of government. Importantly, the selection was confined to nominees pre-approved by Beijing.
The year 2019 was marked by months of unrest, which featured an episode where residents entered the legislative complex to demonstrate against a contentious extradition bill.
The Consequence of the National Security Law
Implemented in June 2020, the security legislation granted extensive authority to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Conduct such as secession were made illegal. After this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
Today's Electoral Framework
Elections for the legislature are considered Hong Kong's primary political exercise. However, regulations enacted in the past few years now stipulate that only candidates deemed loyal are eligible to run for office.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Remaining Seats: The majority are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
- Proposed Standards: Recent drafted requirements would mandate legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Voter Behavior
With other avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has become one of the limited peaceful ways for residents to express dissent. As a result historically low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo polls.
