What is LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Quick Explanation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo serves as a law-making body with the mandate to enact and revise laws for the city. Yet, electoral processes for this assembly have experienced a notable absence in meaningful opposition during a period of major governance changes in recent years.
Following the return to Chinese administration, a principle of "one country, two systems" was promised, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a measure of autonomy. Over time, analysts argue that these freedoms have been systematically curtailed.
Key Developments and Reforms
In 2014, a proposal was tabled that would have allow residents to choose the city's leader. Importantly, this process was restricted to candidates pre-approved by the mainland government.
The year 2019 experienced extensive unrest, which featured an incident where protesters accessed the government building to express anger against a proposed legal amendment.
The Effect of the National Security Law
Passed in June 2020, the security legislation provided unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Activities such as collusion were made illegal. In the wake of this law, the primary opposition organization disbanded.
Today's Electoral System
LegCo elections are considered Hong Kong's key democratic event. But, laws introduced in the past few years now stipulate that only individuals deemed loyal are eligible to contest seats.
- Seat Composition: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The balance are appointed by a special interest groups.
- Code of Conduct: Recent drafted standards would compel legislators to publicly support the mainland's oversight.
Electoral Turnout
With many forms of protest now restricted, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. This has led to historically low voter turnout in the latest LegCo polls.
