Defining LegCo in Hong Kong: A Quick Guide.
Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a law-making body with the authority to enact and revise legislation for the region. However, polls for this council have experienced a significant decline in substantive competing voices during a period of significant systemic changes in the last decade.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a model of "one nation, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would retain a measure of autonomy. In the years since, analysts argue that these freedoms have been steadily diminished.
Significant Developments and Changes
In 2014, a bill was introduced that aimed to allow residents to elect the Chief Executive. Importantly, any such election was confined to candidates vetted by Beijing.
During 2019 experienced months of protests, which featured an incident where residents accessed the government building to demonstrate against a controversial law.
The Consequence of the Security Legislation
Passed in 2020, the NSL provided extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as subversion were outlawed. In the wake of this law, every major opposition organization dissolved.
The Current Electoral Process
Elections for the legislature are regarded as Hong Kong's main political process. However, regulations enacted in 2021 now guarantee that only individuals deemed pro-establishment are permitted to contest seats.
- Membership Structure: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- The Majority: The majority are chosen by a special interest groups.
- New Rules: Newly proposed rules would compel legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Electoral Turnout
Given many forms of protest now criminalized, abstaining from voting has been seen as one of the remaining safe ways for residents to show disapproval. Consequently unprecedentedly low voter turnout in recent LegCo contests.
