Barely a year after introducing a national security law in Hong Kong as a response to the social unrest of 2019, Beijing’s top legislature passed a sweeping resolution in March to overhaul the city’s electoral system.

For the first time, the Election Committee was given new powers to decide who can run for Legco by way of nomination. The committee can also send its own members to Legco.

Formerly a 70-member chamber, the legislature has been expanded to 90 seats. Previously, it used to have 35 geographical constituencies, or directly elected seats, and 35 functional seats, positions allocated to elected representatives of various professional and trade sectors.

But the number of geographical seats has been slashed to 20, representing the lowest proportion of directly elected members since 1997.

Nine functional constituencies – including catering and sports, performing arts, culture and publication – have adopted corporate voting, as opposed to individual voting previously. The remaining 40 seats will be fielded by candidates returned by the Election Committee.

I don't know about y'all but this sounds pretty disastrous for Hong Kong's political system, only giving more power to corporations who will be able to directly appoint more representatives to the legislative chamber. :porky-happy:

  • Tankiedesantski [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Democracy was introduced to HK by the departing British as a poison pill. The faster it collapses and is replaced by the dictatorship of the proletariat, the better.