What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A 30-Second Guide.

Hong Kong's LegCo serves as a regional legislature with the power to enact and revise legislation for the region. However, electoral processes for this council have seen a notable absence in substantive competing voices against a backdrop of major political transformations in recent years.

Following the return to Chinese administration, a principle of "one nation, two systems" was put in place, vowing that Hong Kong would retain a measure of autonomy. Gradually, analysts argue that these freedoms have been increasingly eroded.

Major Milestones and Changes

Back in 2014, a bill was put forward that aimed to allow residents to choose the city's leader. Notably, any such election was limited to nominees vetted by central authorities.

The year 2019 experienced extensive unrest, culminating in an incident where residents breached the legislative complex to express anger against a proposed legal amendment.

The Consequence of the National Security Law

Implemented in 2020, the security legislation granted new legal tools to central authorities over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as secession were made illegal. In the wake of this law, the primary opposition organization disbanded.

Today's Election System

The council polls are viewed as Hong Kong's key democratic process. Nevertheless, laws enacted in 2021 now guarantee that only individuals deemed "patriots" are eligible to stand for election.

• Distribution of Seats: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
• Remaining Seats: The rest are appointed by a government-aligned body.
• New Rules: Newly proposed rules would compel legislators to "sincerely support" central authority.

Public Response

Amid many avenues for dissent now restricted, voter abstention has emerged as one of the few peaceful ways for residents to express dissent. As a result unprecedentedly low participation rates in recent LegCo contests.