The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council functions as a mini parliament with the mandate to pass and change laws for the territory. Yet, elections for this assembly have seen a sharp reduction in meaningful opposition during a period of sweeping systemic overhauls in recent years.
Following the 1997 handover, a framework of "one country, two systems" was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would keep a measure of autonomy. In the years since, critics contend that democratic rights have been systematically curtailed.
Significant Events and Changes
Back in 2014, a proposal was introduced that aimed to allow residents to choose the city's leader. Importantly, the selection was limited to candidates vetted by the mainland government.
During 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, culminating in an incident where residents accessed the government building to voice opposition against a controversial legal amendment.
The Consequence of the National Security Law
Passed in 2020, the NSL provided extensive authority to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Activities such as secession were outlawed. Following this law, all significant democratic party disbanded.
Today's Electoral Process
Elections for the legislature are regarded as Hong Kong's main electoral process. But, laws introduced in recent years now guarantee that only individuals deemed pro-establishment are eligible to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- The Majority: The rest are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Newly suggested requirements would mandate legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
Amid many forms of protest now restricted, not voting has become one of the limited safe ways for residents to express dissent. As a result unprecedentedly low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo contests.