What's happened
Hong Kong's new 'patriots-only' legislature is set to hold elections on December 7, with candidates vetted for loyalty to Beijing. The electoral overhaul aims to reduce political infighting and increase government control, amid ongoing tensions over Hong Kong's political autonomy.
What's behind the headline?
The new electoral system in Hong Kong signifies a decisive shift towards consolidating Beijing's control over the city’s politics. By vetting candidates for 'patriotism' and limiting direct elections, China aims to prevent pro-democracy forces from gaining influence. The participation of high-profile figures like Vivian Kong, a celebrated Olympian, underscores Beijing's strategy to rebrand Hong Kong politics as more 'open' while maintaining strict loyalty requirements. This approach will likely deepen political polarization, as opposition voices are effectively sidelined. The closed-door discussions and increased executive-legislative cooperation suggest a move towards a more controlled, less transparent governance model. The long-term impact may be a further erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy, with the electoral process serving as a tool for Beijing to shape the city’s political future more tightly. The international community’s criticism is unlikely to alter Beijing’s course, which will probably result in a more subdued, pro-Beijing legislature that emphasizes stability over democratic pluralism.
What the papers say
Reuters reports that around one-third of the current legislature will step down, with nominations for the December 7 election closing soon. The article highlights the vetting process for candidates, including prominent figures like Vivian Kong, and notes the overhaul's aim to build a 'high-quality democratic system' aligned with Beijing’s interests. The South China Morning Post provides insight into the functioning of the new legislature, emphasizing the model of closed-door executive-legislative relations and the role of patriotic candidates. It features Doreen Kong’s perspective on the system’s stability and her decision to leave politics, illustrating the practical effects of the reforms. Both sources agree that the electoral overhaul is designed to marginalize opposition and reinforce Beijing’s influence, with the SCMP noting the increased frequency of behind-the-scenes discussions as a sign of a more controlled governance environment.
How we got here
Following mass protests in 2019, China imposed a national security law in 2020 and restructured Hong Kong's electoral system in 2021. These changes marginalized opposition parties and increased Beijing's influence, with the current system emphasizing loyalty and vetting candidates through a new committee. The upcoming election reflects Beijing's goal to rejuvenate Hong Kong's political landscape and curb dissent.
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Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².