What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Explanation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council operates as a law-making body with the authority to pass and change statutes for the city. However, elections for this assembly have experienced a significant decline in substantive competing voices during a period of sweeping political transformations in the past few years.
Subsequent to the return to Chinese administration, a model of "one nation, two systems" was established, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would retain a level of independence. In the years since, observers note that civil liberties have been systematically curtailed.
Key Events and Changes
Back in 2014, legislation was tabled that aimed to allow residents to elect the Chief Executive. Critically, the selection was restricted to candidates vetted by the mainland government.
In 2019 was marked by extensive protests, culminating in an incident where residents breached the government building to express anger against a contentious law.
The Effect of the NSL
Passed in 2020, the National Security Law granted unprecedented powers to central authorities over Hong Kong's governance. Acts such as secession were outlawed. In the wake of this law, all significant political group disbanded.
The Present Election System
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's primary political process. Nevertheless, regulations enacted in the past few years now stipulate that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are able to stand for election.
- Membership Structure: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are directly elected.
- The Majority: The balance are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- New Rules: Newly proposed standards would mandate legislators to publicly support the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
Given most avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has become one of the few safe ways for residents to express dissent. As a result record low participation rates in recent LegCo polls.