Defining the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong SAR: A 30-Second Explanation.
Hong Kong's LegCo operates as a law-making body with the mandate to create and amend legislation for the region. Nonetheless, polls for this body have witnessed a significant decline in substantive competing voices amid sweeping governance transformations in the last decade.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a model of "one country, two systems" was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a level of autonomy. In the years since, observers note that these freedoms have been steadily diminished.
Major Milestones and Reforms
During 2014, legislation was tabled that was designed to allow residents to vote for the city's leader. Notably, this process was limited to nominees pre-approved by central authorities.
The year 2019 experienced months of unrest, including an incident where demonstrators entered the legislative complex to demonstrate against a proposed law.
The Effect of the NSL
Passed in 2020, the National Security Law provided new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Conduct such as subversion were criminalized. After this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
The Current Electoral Framework
LegCo elections are regarded as Hong Kong's primary political exercise. Nevertheless, rules introduced in recent years now stipulate that only candidates deemed "patriots" are permitted to run for office.
- Seat Composition: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The balance are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally drafted rules would require legislators to "sincerely support" central authority.
Public Response
Given many means of expression now curtailed, not voting has been seen as one of the limited legal ways for residents to show disapproval. Consequently historically low participation rates in subsequent LegCo elections.