Defining LegCo in Hong Kong: A Brief Explanation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo operates as a mini parliament with the power to create and amend legislation for the city. Yet, polls for this body have experienced a significant decline in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of significant political changes in the past few years.
After the 1997 handover, a principle of a dual-system arrangement was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a level of independence. Over time, observers note that civil liberties have been steadily diminished.
Major Developments and Changes
During 2014, legislation was put forward that was designed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Notably, the selection was restricted to candidates vetted by the mainland government.
During 2019 was marked by months of demonstrations, including an incident where demonstrators entered the government building to voice opposition against a proposed law.
The Effect of the NSL
Implemented in 2020, the NSL granted unprecedented powers to central authorities over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as collusion were made illegal. In the wake of this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
The Current Electoral Framework
LegCo elections are regarded as Hong Kong's main democratic event. Nevertheless, rules established in 2021 now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are eligible to contest seats.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Other Positions: The rest are appointed by a pro-establishment committee.
- New Rules: Newly proposed requirements would require legislators to unequivocally back central authority.
Electoral Turnout
Amid many forms of protest now criminalized, voter abstention has become one of the limited peaceful ways for residents to show disapproval. This has led to unprecedentedly low participation rates in recent LegCo polls.