What is LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Brief Explanation.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council serves as a law-making body with the power to enact and revise laws for the city. Yet, polls for this council have seen a significant decline in genuine political alternatives against a backdrop of significant governance changes in the last decade.
After the return to Chinese administration, a principle of "one country, two systems" was put in place, pledging that Hong Kong would keep a measure of self-governance. Over time, analysts argue that democratic rights have been systematically curtailed.
Major Developments and Reforms
During 2014, a proposal was introduced that aimed to allow residents to vote for the city's leader. Notably, the selection was confined to candidates sanctioned by the mainland government.
In 2019 experienced months of protests, including an incident where demonstrators accessed the parliamentary premises to express anger against a controversial legal amendment.
The Effect of the NSL
Enacted in June 2020, the NSL handed extensive authority to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as secession were made illegal. In the wake of this law, every major political group dissolved.
Today's Election System
LegCo elections are regarded as Hong Kong's primary electoral event. However, rules introduced in recent years now ensure that only candidates deemed loyal are permitted to run for office.
- Distribution of Seats: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Remaining Seats: The rest are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
- Code of Conduct: Newly proposed requirements would compel legislators to unequivocally back Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
Given other means of expression now criminalized, not voting has been seen as one of the remaining legal ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently record low electoral engagement in the latest LegCo polls.
