Hong Kong to slash elected seats in setback to democracy
May 2, 2023
Hong Kong’s leader has unveiled plans to eliminate most directly elected seats on local district councils, the last major political representative bodies chosen by the public
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday stepped up a campaign to shut down further democratic challenges by unveiling plans to eliminate most directly elected seats on local district councils, the last major political representative bodies chosen by the public.
Chief Executive John Lee said the proposed overhaul will reduce the proportion of directly elected seats in the municipal-level organization to about 20% — from some 90% currently. That is even lower than the level when these bodies were first set up in the 1980s, when Hong Kong was ruled by Britain.
He said the rest of the 470 seats will be filled by government appointees, rural committee chairpersons and others elected by local committees that are staffed by many pro-establishment figures.
“I do not agree that pure counting (of) election votes mean democracy,” he said. “Different places have their own systems that must take into consideration all the characteristics and all the elements of that place.”
The planned electoral changes are widely seen as part of Beijing's increasing control over the former British colony, which was promised autonomy when it returned to China in 1997. Two years ago, Hong Kong already
amended its electoral laws
for its legislature, drastically reducing the public’s ability to vote and increasing the number of pro-Beijing lawmakers making decisions for the city.In the past, the race for the seats of the city’s district representatives usually drew little international attention as the councilors mainly handled municipal matters, such as organizing construction projects and ensuring that public facilities are in order.
But their
councils took on importance
after the city’s pro-democracy campwon a landslide victory
in the last poll at the height of the anti-government protests in 2019.Many pro-democracy district councilors eventually resigned in 2021, after authorities introduced an oath-taking requirement to ask them to pledge allegiance to the city. Their mass resignations followed media reports that councilors may have to repay their wages if they are later disqualified from office, which the government had not confirmed or denied at the time.
Critics regarded the requirement as part of a broader crackdown on the pro-democracy movement after the massive protests and enactment of the sweeping national security law in 2020.
The resignations and other disqualifications had left just about one-third of the elected representatives still working in the councils, Lee said.
The next district council election is expected to take place later this year.
MORE NEWS
Could Taipei’s unexpectedly tight mayoral race add to cross-strait tensions?
Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang Wan-an faces an unexpectedly tough re-election fight in a race closely watched for its potential to damage the main opposition party Kuomintang and further strain the island’s relations with Beijing. Just five months ago, Chiang appeared comfortably positioned for a second term in a city where the KMT has traditionally enjoyed an advantage over the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. A poll by local cable news network TVBS in late May put him 28 percentage points ahead...
Conscient Sports, India United Football Academy Crowned Champions In Delhi Leg Of RFYS
Conscient Sports clinched titles in the U-8 and U-10 categories, while India United Football Academy emerged victorious in the U-12 section of the RFYS 2026-27 Delhi leg.
Tai Po Fire: HKSAR government responds with accountability and reform
Tai Po Fire: HKSAR government responds with accountability and reform
This ginkgo couple has been together for 500 years!
This ginkgo couple has been together for 500 years!
Swiss President arrives in Beijing as trade ties take center stage
Swiss President arrives in Beijing as trade ties take center stage
Alex de Minaur Defeats Alexander Zverev In 3-Set Thriller To Reach Vienna Open Final
Zverev had beaten De Minaur in March in the semi-final at Indian Wells, but this time the Australian won 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4).
Barcelona Thrash Alaves To Reclaim No. 1 Position In La Liga
Earlier Atletico Madrid, second, earned a solid 2-0 win at Levante, but Barca moved back two points clear of the Rojiblancos by routing the Basque visitors at Camp Nou.
US, Canada see growing interest in limited ceasefire in Black Sea
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the growing interest in a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea. He emphasized the importance of facilitating grain shipments while pressing for a broader settlement of the ongoing war. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confronted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the G20 meeting.
Four hotel workers die after inhaling toxic gas in Ujjain
Four hotel employees tragically died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a food waste tank. Two individuals entered the tank to clean it, after which two more attempted a rescue. A gas leak likely made the surface slippery, leading to the collapses of the individuals. Other staff members who entered the chamber were rescued and transported to the hospital. Authorities are working to gather more details about the incident.
Four hotel workers die after inhaling toxic gas in Ujjain
Four hotel employees tragically died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a food waste tank. Two individuals entered the tank to clean it, after which two more attempted a rescue. A gas leak likely made the surface slippery, leading to the collapses of the individuals. Other staff members who entered the chamber were rescued and transported to the hospital. Authorities are working to gather more details about the incident.
Russia surpasses France in African youth appeal, still trails China: survey
Russia’s influence has surged among young people across Africa in recent years, leaping over former colonial power France while still trailing China, a survey of African youths has found. Many young Africans now perceive Russia to be an ally, observers said, warning its rivals to take the shift seriously as the continent becomes increasingly critical to both Moscow and Beijing. According to the African Youth Survey commissioned by the South Africa-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, 54 per cent...
Who won the Canelo vs Mbilli fight? Canelo's comeback, judges' scores and what happened in Riyadh
In a spectacular return, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez dominated the boxing ring, regaining his world title with a solid win over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh. After a year off and a tough defeat to Terence Crawford, Alvarez's comeback is nothing short of remarkable. His extraordinary technique and seasoned composure reaffirm his position among the sport's elite fighters.