Hong Kong electoral system changed

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  Hong Kong electoral system changed

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Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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• A sea-change: China has made structural changes in Hong Kong’s electoral system, practically rendering its open democracy defunct. The measures are part of China’s efforts to consolidate its authoritarian grip over Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) following the imposition of a national security law in June 2020.
• Points to note: First comes the new electoral system.

1. Increased Membership of the Legislative Council - The number of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (HKLC) members will be increased to 90, with the additional members also nominated, thereby reducing the share of elected representatives. Currently, only half of the 70 members of HKLC are directly elected and the rest are nominated.
2. Expansion of Election Committee - The Election committee (Hong Kong electoral college) has been expanded to include Beijing-nominated members. The Election Committee, as previously, will be responsible for electing the Chief Executive, and will also choose some of the members of HKLC.
3. New Candidate Qualification - The selection of “patriots” will be ensured by the setting up of a new candidate qualification review committee.

• Implications: The change will give Beijing-appointed politicians a greater say in running the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), marking the biggest change since the handover in 1997. An increased number of pro-Beijing officials would weaken the power of the opposition to influence the city's leadership. It will erode the political freedoms that distinguished Hong Kong from the mainland under the “one country, two systems” model.
• Implication for India: Hong Kong is a destination for re-export of Indian goods to the global market. It is the fourth largest export market for India. India is of the view that Hong Kong can play an important role in strengthening ties with China, as it is considered a gateway to China. Thus, global tensions due to political unrest in Hong Kong carry consequences for India’s trade with the rest of the world, as well as with China.
• Criticism: The European Union has condemned the change and warned China of broader sanctions. The G7 termed this move a step towards eliminating dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong. All major economies such as the USA, UK, Australia have condemned the move and have urged China to allow a more participatory and representative form of system. The change is non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
• Sino-British Joint Declaration: It is a treaty signed between the United Kingdom and China in 1985 on Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. According to the treaty, China would reassume control of Hong Kong, which was occupied by Britain after the Opium War in 1840, from July 1, 1997. Opium Wars: The Opium Wars were two wars fought between the Chinese Qing dynasty and European powers. Both the wars were a result of the Qing Dynasty’s attempts to curb the opium trade. The first was fought from 1839-1842 and the second one from 1856 – 1860.
• Provisions: It stated that China's basic policies regarding Hong Kong "will remain unchanged for 50 years" and ensured a high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong. These policies are stipulated in the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. Under the Basic Law the Constitution that has governed Hong Kong since 1997 the HKSAR is a part of China but enjoys “a high degree of autonomy” and “executive, legislative and independent judicial power”, except in foreign policy and defence. It also says “the socialist system and policies shall not be practised” in Hong Kong for 50 years. It held that Britain would be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong until 1997 and the Chinese government would give its cooperation.
• Summary: The new legislation has been seen as the final nail in the coffin for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and an erosion of the autonomy guaranteed to the city when it was handed over to China in 1997. With the national security law and the new electoral changes, the space for the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong has been drastically reduced. China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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