Thirty-six deputies were elected last week to represent Hong Kong at the 11th National People's Congress. Among them, 23 were re-elected. There are 13 new faces, who are mostly politically neutral professionals and business figures. Many commentators interpret the results as an indication of a gradual departure from the NPC's outdated mode of being a rubber stamp or retirees' club. There is also hope that the new faces will bring with them new thinking and vitality to the NPC.
In theory, being an NPC deputy carries a lot of prestige. The NPC is the highest national legislative body and performs the important role of checking the power of the executive branch of the central government. But, until recently, the NPC did not have much real power in practice, and the presence of non-communist deputies was only a window-dressing exercise.
Under the leadership of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao , government officials have been made more accountable for their decisions, partly in response to rapid social and economic changes. The NPC elections are also more competitive, and higher standards are expected of the deputies.
Times have changed and Hong Kong's pro-China and pro- establishment circles could no longer keep the NPC elections within their exclusive small circles. The Election Committee comprises more than 1,300 members, of whom 800 are also electors of the chief executive. In other words, the close to 200-odd pan-democrats among the 800 are able to exert certain influence on the results, though pro-democracy candidates themselves never look electable in the face of the vast number of staunchly pro-China votes.
Somewhat surprisingly, the ultra-left trade unionist Leung Fu-wah and conservative incumbent Philip Wong Yu-hong were not elected. Nor was another incumbent, David Chu Yu-lin. All three got around 800 votes but still lost, suggesting that the loyalist votes are around that figure. The defeat of these pro-China figures proved that pan-democrats have enough influence at least to wreck other candidates' chances, though they could not achieve anything for themselves.
Although the central government's liaison office was working behind the scenes, as ever, this year it reportedly only tried to secure the return of eight candidates. Other candidates had to canvass for their votes. Looking at the results, it is apparent that those who worked hard to present election platforms and solicit support were more likely to be elected. Mr Wong and Mr Chu did not spend much time campaigning and that was the real reason why they lost their seats.
