What is LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A 30-Second Guide.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council functions as a law-making body with the mandate to pass and change legislation for the region. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have witnessed a significant decline in genuine political alternatives during a period of major political overhauls in the last decade.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a framework of a dual-system arrangement was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would keep a level of independence. Over time, analysts argue that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.
Major Developments and Changes
During 2014, legislation was introduced that was designed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Importantly, any such election was limited to contenders pre-approved by Beijing.
During 2019 saw extensive demonstrations, including an event where residents breached the government building to express anger against a contentious legal amendment.
The Impact of the National Security Law
Implemented in 2020, the NSL provided extensive authority to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as subversion were criminalized. After this law, the primary democratic party dissolved.
The Current Election Process
LegCo elections are regarded as Hong Kong's key electoral exercise. But, regulations established in the past few years now guarantee that only individuals deemed "patriots" are permitted to stand for election.
- Membership Structure: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Other Positions: The balance are selected by a special interest groups.
- Proposed Standards: Newly suggested standards would require legislators to unequivocally back Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
Given many forms of protest now curtailed, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the remaining safe ways for residents to register discontent. As a result historically low participation rates in subsequent LegCo elections.
