What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A Quick Explanation.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo serves as a mini parliament with the authority to pass and change laws for the territory. Yet, elections for this body have experienced a sharp reduction in meaningful opposition against a backdrop of significant governance changes in the last decade.

Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of "one country, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would maintain a level of independence. In the years since, analysts argue that democratic rights have been steadily diminished.

Significant Developments and Shifts

Back in 2014, a proposal was tabled that was designed to allow residents to elect the Chief Executive. Notably, the selection was limited to contenders pre-approved by the mainland government.

The year 2019 was marked by extensive unrest, culminating in an event where residents entered the legislative complex to demonstrate against a contentious law.

The Impact of the NSL

Passed in 2020, the NSL provided unprecedented powers to Beijing over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as collusion were outlawed. Following this law, all significant democratic party dissolved.

The Current Electoral Framework

Elections for the legislature are considered Hong Kong's primary electoral event. Nevertheless, rules introduced in the past few years now ensure that only individuals deemed "patriots" are able to run for office.

• Seat Composition: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
• Remaining Seats: The rest are chosen by a pro-establishment committee.
• New Rules: Additionally drafted requirements would mandate legislators to publicly support Beijing's jurisdiction.

Public Response

Amid many avenues for dissent now criminalized, not voting has been seen as one of the few safe ways for residents to register discontent. Consequently record low voter turnout in the latest LegCo elections.