Understanding LegCo in Hong Kong: A Quick Overview.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council serves as a law-making body with the power to enact and revise legislation for the territory. Yet, polls for this assembly have seen a significant decline in meaningful opposition during a period of sweeping governance overhauls in the past few years.
Following the 1997 handover, a principle of "one country, two systems" was put in place, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of self-governance. In the years since, analysts argue that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Significant Events and Changes
In 2014, a proposal was introduced that aimed to allow residents to elect the head of government. Importantly, any such election was confined to nominees sanctioned by Beijing.
In 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, culminating in an event where residents entered the parliamentary premises to demonstrate against a proposed legal amendment.
The Consequence of the NSL
Enacted in June 2020, the National Security Law provided unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's governance. Conduct such as collusion were criminalized. Following this law, every major political group dissolved.
Today's Election System
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's primary political exercise. But, laws enacted in recent years now stipulate that only individuals deemed "patriots" are permitted to contest seats.
- Seat Composition: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- Other Positions: The majority are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Proposed Standards: Newly proposed standards would require legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Voter Behavior
Amid other forms of protest now restricted, not voting has been seen as one of the limited legal ways for residents to register discontent. As a result historically low participation rates in the latest LegCo contests.
