Hong Kong's Legislative Council serves as a regional legislature with the authority to pass and change statutes for the region. Yet, electoral processes for this council have experienced a sharp reduction in meaningful opposition during a period of major systemic overhauls in recent years.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of "one country, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a measure of self-governance. Gradually, analysts argue that civil liberties have been systematically curtailed.
Major Developments and Changes
During 2014, a proposal was tabled that would have allow residents to choose the head of government. Critically, the selection was restricted to candidates vetted by Beijing.
During 2019 saw widespread protests, culminating in an incident where demonstrators entered the legislative complex to demonstrate against a proposed legal amendment.
The Impact of the Security Legislation
Implemented in June 2020, the National Security Law provided extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as collusion were outlawed. Following this law, all significant opposition organization disbanded.
Today's Election Framework
Elections for the legislature are considered Hong Kong's primary electoral process. However, laws introduced in 2021 now guarantee that only candidates deemed loyal are able to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The rest are selected by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Newly suggested rules would compel legislators to "sincerely support" Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
With most avenues for dissent now curtailed, not voting has emerged as one of the limited legal ways for residents to show disapproval. This has led to record low participation rates in the latest LegCo polls.
