Defining LegCo in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Guide.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council functions as a law-making body with the authority to pass and change laws for the city. Nonetheless, polls for this body have experienced a notable absence in genuine political alternatives against a backdrop of sweeping political overhauls in the last decade.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a framework of "one country, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a measure of self-governance. In the years since, analysts argue that democratic rights have been systematically curtailed.
Key Milestones and Shifts
Back in 2014, a bill was put forward that was designed to allow residents to vote for the head of government. Importantly, this process was confined to nominees vetted by central authorities.
In 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, culminating in an event where protesters accessed the government building to express anger against a contentious legal amendment.
The Effect of the Security Legislation
Passed in 2020, the security legislation provided new legal tools to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as subversion were outlawed. After this law, all significant political group ceased operations.
Today's Election Process
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's primary democratic process. However, rules introduced in 2021 now stipulate that only candidates deemed "patriots" are eligible to stand for election.
- Membership Structure: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The majority are chosen by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Newly suggested standards would require legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
Amid many forms of protest now curtailed, voter abstention has emerged as one of the few legal ways for residents to express dissent. Consequently historically low electoral engagement in the latest LegCo polls.