Defining LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A 30-Second Guide.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council serves as a regional legislature with the mandate to create and amend laws for the region. Nonetheless, elections for this body have experienced a sharp reduction in meaningful opposition amid sweeping political overhauls in the last decade.
After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of "one country, two systems" was established, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of autonomy. Gradually, critics contend that civil liberties have been systematically curtailed.
Major Milestones and Changes
In 2014, a bill was tabled that was designed to allow residents to vote for the Chief Executive. Critically, any such election was restricted to contenders pre-approved by central authorities.
The year 2019 experienced months of unrest, including an episode where demonstrators entered the government building to express anger against a contentious extradition bill.
The Effect of the National Security Law
Passed in June 2020, the security legislation granted extensive authority to central authorities over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as subversion were criminalized. Following this law, all significant democratic party ceased operations.
The Current Electoral Process
Elections for the legislature are regarded as Hong Kong's primary electoral exercise. Nevertheless, laws introduced in the past few years now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are able to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Other Positions: The majority are appointed by a government-aligned body.
- New Rules: Recent drafted rules would compel legislators to publicly support the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
Amid many forms of protest now restricted, abstaining from voting has been seen as one of the few safe ways for residents to express dissent. As a result historically low voter turnout in recent LegCo elections.
