In response to the stalemate over the critical issue of political reforms, some pro-democracy groups in the city are now making preparations to launch a new democracy movement. It represents a self-reflection and a commitment, and is therefore worthy of Hong Kong people's deliberation.
The contributions of the local pro-democracy movement have been significant. At this stage, however, the pursuit of a genuine democratic system still faces daunting prospects. Many Hong Kong people understand that the Chinese leadership is unwilling to grant democracy to the city; they have been disheartened and overcome by a strong sense of political impotency. Undeniably, the pro-democracy movement is at a low ebb, and it is difficult to mobilise the community.
At the same time, a substantial segment of the community feels that the pro-democracy movement has not paid adequate attention to livelihood issues. To them, democracy seems distant and even irrelevant. They feel the pressures of making ends meet and the contraction of opportunities for social mobility. The working poor and young graduates are probably the most frustrated.
Advocates for the 'new democracy movement' realise the challenge and they want to promote the value of meaningful political participation. Political participation to them should not be limited just to the securing of universal suffrage for the election of the chief executive and that of the entire legislature, nor to the mobilisation for various elections.
Their political demands are more comprehensive than those for a democratic political system, or for the resignations of the chief executive and some principal officials who have not been performing well. Moreover, they maintain, people should not count on a party or some political leaders.
The new democracy movement aims for direct democracy: to realise one's value through actual participation and to gain a sense of pride and satisfaction. In recent years, the eager participation of many young activists in numerous heritage preservation campaigns is a good illustration of this participation.
The more elderly activists in the pro-democracy movement, like their counterparts born in the 1980s and early 1990s, understand that the road to democracy in Hong Kong is long and winding. Their participation in the struggle is aimed at securing a meaning in life through the pursuit of higher ideals, and demonstrating some 'backbone' in a 'shoe-shining' atmosphere.