What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A Brief Guide.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council operates as a regional legislature with the authority to pass and change laws for the territory. Nonetheless, elections for this assembly have witnessed a notable absence in meaningful opposition amid sweeping political overhauls in the past few years.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would retain a degree of self-governance. Over time, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Key Milestones and Reforms
During 2014, a proposal was tabled that would have allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Notably, the selection was restricted to nominees pre-approved by Beijing.
In 2019 saw widespread protests, which featured an incident where residents breached the legislative complex to voice opposition against a controversial law.
The Impact of the NSL
Implemented in mid-2020, the NSL handed new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's internal matters. Activities such as secession were outlawed. In the wake of this law, all significant political group ceased operations.
The Present Election Process
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main democratic process. But, regulations introduced in the past few years now ensure that only individuals deemed "patriots" are permitted 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: Additionally drafted requirements would compel legislators to "sincerely support" Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
Amid most means of expression now criminalized, voter abstention has become one of the few peaceful ways for residents to show disapproval. As a result unprecedentedly low electoral engagement in recent LegCo elections.