China to deliberate changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system
China’s National People’s Congress will today begin two days of deliberation on bills to amend Hong Kong’s electoral system.
As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Hong Kong’s chief executive is quasi-democratically elected. A 1,200-member electoral college—representing the broad spectrum of Hong Kong society—elects a chief executive who is then approved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Legislative proceedings today will address amending the method of selecting the chief executive and the make-up of the electoral college.
Under the CCP’s “One Country, Two Systems” policy, Beijing had allowed Hong Kong’s quasi-representational government. However, new legislation essentially made all political protests illegal with serious consequences for violators. Now, the laws and COVID-19 restrictions have shut down Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Beijing will seek to amend Hong Kong’s basic law to place near-absolute CCP control over the selection of Hong Kong’s chief executive by altering the election committee make-up or abolishing the electoral system. For Hong Kong and its businesses, this will practically end any remaining semblance of democracy in the city, giving the CCP tremendous influence over the government and economy of the SAR. Expect statements rebuking Beijing’s flagrant disregard for Hong Kong’s autonomy from the international community, with little action.
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