What is LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Brief Explanation.
Hong Kong's LegCo operates as a law-making body with the mandate to enact and revise laws for the territory. Yet, elections for this council have seen a significant decline in genuine political alternatives against a backdrop of significant governance changes in the past few years.
Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one country, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a degree of autonomy. Gradually, analysts argue that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.
Significant Developments and Shifts
Back in 2014, a bill was introduced that aimed to allow residents to choose the city's leader. Importantly, any such election was restricted to candidates pre-approved by the mainland government.
The year 2019 was marked by widespread protests, culminating in an episode where residents accessed the legislative complex to express anger against a controversial legal amendment.
The Effect of the Security Legislation
Implemented in June 2020, the National Security Law granted new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's governance. Activities such as collusion were outlawed. Following this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
The Present Electoral Process
LegCo elections are viewed as Hong Kong's primary democratic process. But, laws established in 2021 now guarantee that only individuals deemed "patriots" are able to contest seats.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- Remaining Seats: The majority are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
- New Rules: Additionally proposed requirements would mandate legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
With most avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has become one of the limited peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. As a result unprecedentedly low voter turnout in the latest LegCo contests.
