Hong Kong to slash elected seats in setback to democracy

On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s leader announced intentions to delete most directly elected seats on local district councils, the final major political representative body elected by the public, to end democratic problems.

Chief Executive John Lee stated the proposed change will reduce directly elected municipal-level seats to 20% from 90%. When Britain ruled Hong Kong in the 1980s, these bodies were considerably lower.

He stated government officials, rural committee chairpersons, and local committee members elected by many pro-establishment people will fill the remaining 470 seats.

“I don’t think counting election votes means democracy,” he remarked. “Different places have their own systems that must take into account all their characteristics and elements.”

The anticipated electoral changes are seen as Beijing gaining control over the former British colony, which was guaranteed autonomy when it returned to China in 1997. Two years ago, Hong Kong modified its electoral laws for its legislature, substantially decreasing public voting and increasing the number of pro-Beijing members making local decisions.
Since district representatives mostly organized construction projects and maintained public facilities, the race for their seats rarely garnered international attention.

After the city’s pro-democracy camp won a landslide victory in the last poll during the 2019 anti-government protests, their councils became important.

After the city required district councilors to take an oath, many pro-democracy councilors resigned in 2021. The government had not confirmed or dismissed media allegations that councilors may have to refund their earnings if disqualified from office, prompting their mass resignations.

After the massive protests and 2020 national security law, critics saw the requirement as part of a crackdown on the pro-democracy movement.

Lee said around one-third of elected representatives were still working in councils after resignations and other disqualifications.

District council elections are expected later this year.