Hong Kong election reforms: overhaul to start with hefty powers for committee that picks city’s leader
- An expanded Election Committee will be able to pre-vet candidates for Legco polls and send own members to legislature
- The coming changes will necessitate amending Annexes I and II of the Basic Law, National People’s Congress Standing Committee vice-chairman says
Beijing’s plans for a drastic overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system will start with the Election Committee that selects the chief executive being given considerable powers to nominate all candidates for Legislative Council elections and send some of their own members to the legislature.
The size, composition and selection process of this committee, now made up of 1,200 representatives from four sectors and dominated by pro-Beijing loyalists, will also be revamped.
Announcing the radical shake-up to the city’s political system at Friday’s opening of the National People’s Congress’ plenary meeting, state leader Wang Chen said the pressing need for reforms was to get rid of “loopholes and deficiencies” that had enabled anti-China, destabilising elements to threaten national sovereignty and security.
“The size, composition and formation method of the Election Committee will be adjusted and improved. The chief executive will continue to be elected by the committee,” Wang, who is vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), said.
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Two sessions: China’s parliament plans an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system
“The Election Committee will be entrusted with the new function of electing a relatively large share of Legco members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for Legco,” he added.
“We need to establish a full mechanism to vet the qualification [of candidates in various elections], so we can form a new democratic electoral system with Hong Kong characteristics.”