What is the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Brief Guide.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council functions as a law-making body with the mandate to create and amend legislation for the territory. Nonetheless, electoral processes for this body have seen a sharp reduction in substantive competing voices amid sweeping systemic changes in recent years.
Subsequent to the 1997 handover, a model of "one country, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would maintain a degree of self-governance. Gradually, analysts argue that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.
Significant Milestones and Shifts
During 2014, a proposal was introduced that was designed to allow residents to elect the city's leader. Importantly, the selection was confined to contenders pre-approved by central authorities.
In 2019 experienced extensive unrest, culminating in an event where protesters entered the legislative complex to express anger against a contentious extradition bill.
The Impact of the Security Legislation
Passed in June 2020, the NSL granted new legal tools to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Activities such as secession were outlawed. Following this law, every major opposition organization ceased operations.
The Current Electoral Framework
Elections for the legislature are viewed as Hong Kong's main political exercise. However, regulations enacted in 2021 now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are permitted to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- Remaining Seats: The rest are appointed by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Additionally suggested rules would require legislators to publicly support central authority.
Voter Behavior
Given many forms of protest now restricted, not voting has emerged as one of the few legal ways for residents to register discontent. This has led to record low electoral engagement in subsequent LegCo contests.
