What is the Legislative Council in Hong Kong: A Quick Explanation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council functions as a mini parliament with the power to enact and revise statutes for the region. Nonetheless, polls for this assembly have witnessed a significant decline in meaningful opposition during a period of major political transformations in the last decade.
Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a principle of "one country, two systems" was put in place, pledging that Hong Kong would keep a measure of independence. In the years since, critics contend that civil liberties have been steadily diminished.
Significant Events and Changes
Back in 2014, a proposal was introduced that would have allow residents to vote for the city's leader. Importantly, the selection was limited to contenders pre-approved by central authorities.
During 2019 was marked by months of demonstrations, which featured an event where protesters breached the parliamentary premises to express anger against a controversial legal amendment.
The Consequence of the NSL
Implemented in 2020, the NSL provided extensive authority to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Activities such as subversion were made illegal. After this law, every major political group disbanded.
Today's Election System
The council polls are viewed as Hong Kong's primary electoral process. But, regulations introduced in the past few years now stipulate that only individuals deemed loyal are able to run for office.
- Membership Structure: Now, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
- The Majority: The rest are appointed by a special interest groups.
- New Rules: Newly suggested requirements would mandate legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.
Public Response
Given most forms of protest now restricted, voter abstention has emerged as one of the remaining legal ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently historically low participation rates in recent LegCo elections.
