Can talks on electoral reform bridge the divide?
Frank Ching says with talks on electoral reform now starting in earnest, all sides willing to engage must nevertheless keep an open mind
The chairman of the National People's Congress Law Committee, Qiao Xiaoyang , ignited a firestorm when he said the Hong Kong chief executive must be patriotic. On the positive side, he sparked discussion on the 2017 election even before a public consultation has begun.
No doubt, there are decision-makers in Beijing who want to screen out candidates they don't like. But, from a tactical standpoint, it makes more sense for Beijing to have as many pro-democracy candidates as possible on the ballot. That way, the pro-democracy vote will be divided, enhancing the chances of pro-establishment candidates. Screen them in, not out.