What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Explanation.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a regional legislature with the power to create and amend laws for the region. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have witnessed a significant decline in genuine political alternatives against a backdrop of significant systemic changes in recent years.
After the 1997 handover, a principle of "one country, two systems" was established, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of self-governance. In the years since, analysts argue that these freedoms have been steadily diminished.
Significant Milestones and Shifts
During 2014, a proposal was put forward that aimed to allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Critically, any such election was confined to candidates sanctioned by Beijing.
In 2019 saw extensive protests, which featured an event where residents entered the parliamentary premises to demonstrate against a controversial law.
The Consequence of the National Security Law
Passed in June 2020, the security legislation handed new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's governance. Activities such as collusion were outlawed. After this law, every major democratic party ceased operations.
Today's Election System
The council polls are viewed as Hong Kong's key electoral exercise. However, regulations enacted in recent years now guarantee that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are eligible to contest seats.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The rest are appointed by a government-aligned body.
- New Rules: Additionally suggested standards would require legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
Amid other avenues for dissent now restricted, abstaining from voting has become one of the few legal ways for residents to express dissent. Consequently historically low participation rates in subsequent LegCo polls.
