What is LegCo in Hong Kong: A Quick Explanation.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council serves as a regional legislature with the mandate to pass and change legislation for the region. Nonetheless, electoral processes for this body have witnessed a notable absence in substantive competing voices during a period of major systemic changes in recent years.

Subsequent to the return to Chinese administration, a framework of "one country, two systems" was promised, pledging that Hong Kong would keep a measure of self-governance. In the years since, observers note that democratic rights have been increasingly eroded.

Key Milestones and Shifts

During 2014, legislation was tabled that was designed to allow residents to choose the city's leader. Critically, this process was restricted to nominees sanctioned by the mainland government.

In 2019 saw extensive protests, including an incident where demonstrators entered the government building to express anger against a controversial extradition bill.

The Effect of the NSL

Implemented in 2020, the security legislation provided unprecedented powers to the mainland over Hong Kong's internal matters. Conduct such as subversion were criminalized. After this law, all significant democratic party dissolved.

The Present Electoral System

The council polls are considered Hong Kong's main electoral process. But, laws introduced in recent years now ensure that only hopefuls deemed "patriots" are eligible to contest seats.

• Distribution of Seats: At present, only 20 out of 90 seats are chosen by popular vote.
• Other Positions: The balance are selected by a pro-establishment committee.
• Proposed Standards: Additionally proposed rules would require legislators to unequivocally back Beijing's jurisdiction.

Voter Behavior

With most means of expression now curtailed, abstaining from voting has emerged as one of the limited safe ways for residents to show disapproval. Consequently historically low voter turnout in recent LegCo elections.