The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council functions as a law-making body with the power to create and amend laws for the city. However, elections for this body have experienced a significant decline in meaningful opposition during a period of sweeping political changes in the past few years.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a model of "one country, two systems" was promised, vowing that Hong Kong would keep a level of self-governance. Gradually, analysts argue that these freedoms have been steadily diminished.
Significant Milestones and Shifts
In 2014, a proposal was put forward that would have allow residents to elect the city's leader. Notably, this process was restricted to candidates sanctioned by Beijing.
In 2019 was marked by extensive demonstrations, culminating in an episode where demonstrators breached the parliamentary premises to express anger against a contentious extradition bill.
The Effect of the Security Legislation
Implemented in mid-2020, the NSL handed extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's affairs. Acts such as secession were made illegal. In the wake of this law, the primary political group dissolved.
Today's Electoral System
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's key electoral process. However, regulations introduced in recent years now ensure that only hopefuls deemed pro-establishment are able to stand for election.
- Distribution of Seats: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Other Positions: The rest are selected by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Recent proposed standards would compel legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
Given other forms of protest now criminalized, not voting has emerged as one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. As a result record low voter turnout in recent LegCo polls.
