Editorial | Hong Kong must strive to make the best out of electoral shake-up
- Reforms aiming to ensure city is governed by ‘patriots’ may seem like the end of the democratic dream, but those with faith in ‘one country, two systems’ should still come forward
There was never any doubt about Beijing’s resolution to eradicate “non-patriots” via sweeping electoral reforms. As the dust settles following the passage of a new framework for the chief executive and Legislative Council elections, the focus has turned to the details.
While Beijing sees the need to ensure Hong Kong will be governed by patriots, the changes have raised serious concerns about their impact on the political landscape and governance. Will there still be room for opposition and meaningful checks and balances? How to assure seats are not filled by political yes-men, but those who can help enhance governance?
The government has to explain how the shake-up, the biggest since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997, has not undermined democracy. Under the revised Basic Law annexes, all 117 seats held by district councillors in the Election Committee that chooses the chief executive have been scrapped, and more seats created for other district groups.
Legco will be expanded to 90 seats from 70, with 40 being controlled by the Election Committee. Directly elected seats will be slashed to 20 from 35 under a dual-seat, single-vote system.
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China’s top legislative body passes sweeping Hong Kong electoral reforms
There is no disputing that the changes will further enhance the dominance of Beijing loyalists in the city’s political structure. But they also raise questions as to whether there will be any room for those who do not see eye to eye with Beijing on various issues.