Hong Kong's LegCo functions as a law-making body with the mandate to enact and revise laws for the territory. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have seen a sharp reduction in genuine political alternatives during a period of major governance overhauls in the past few years.
Following the 1997 handover, a principle of a dual-system arrangement was established, vowing that Hong Kong would keep a level of autonomy. Gradually, critics contend that these freedoms have been increasingly eroded.
Major Events and Shifts
In 2014, a bill was tabled that aimed to allow residents to vote for the city's leader. Importantly, any such election was confined to nominees pre-approved by Beijing.
The year 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, including an incident where residents accessed the government building to demonstrate against a proposed extradition bill.
The Effect of the NSL
Implemented in June 2020, the NSL provided unprecedented powers to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Acts such as secession were criminalized. In the wake of this law, the primary political group ceased operations.
Today's Election Framework
The council polls are regarded as Hong Kong's main electoral event. Nevertheless, rules enacted in 2021 now ensure that only individuals deemed "patriots" are able to stand for election.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
- Other Positions: The majority are chosen by a government-aligned body.
- Code of Conduct: Newly drafted rules would require legislators to "sincerely support" Beijing's jurisdiction.
Voter Behavior
Given other means of expression now curtailed, voter abstention has been seen as one of the limited legal ways for residents to register discontent. As a result unprecedentedly low participation rates in the latest LegCo polls.
