Understanding LegCo in the Hong Kong SAR: A Brief Explanation.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's LegCo operates as a mini parliament with the authority to create and amend legislation for the city. Yet, polls for this body have seen a notable absence in meaningful opposition amid significant political transformations in the past few years.

After the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, a framework of "one country, two systems" was established, guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain a level of self-governance. In the years since, observers note that civil liberties have been increasingly eroded.

Major Milestones and Reforms

Back in 2014, a bill was put forward that would have allow residents to choose the Chief Executive. Importantly, the selection was confined to nominees vetted by Beijing.

In 2019 saw months of protests, including an incident where residents accessed the parliamentary premises to voice opposition against a proposed legal amendment.

The Effect of the NSL

Implemented in mid-2020, the National Security Law provided new legal tools to the mainland over Hong Kong's affairs. Acts such as collusion were made illegal. Following this law, the primary opposition organization disbanded.

Today's Electoral System

The council polls are considered Hong Kong's main electoral process. However, laws introduced in 2021 now guarantee that only individuals deemed pro-establishment are eligible to contest seats.

• Distribution of Seats: Currently, only 20 out of 90 seats are filled by public ballot.
• Remaining Seats: The balance are appointed by a pro-establishment committee.
• Code of Conduct: Recent suggested rules would require legislators to unequivocally back the mainland's oversight.

Voter Behavior

Given most means of expression now curtailed, not voting has become one of the remaining peaceful ways for residents to register discontent. This has led to historically low voter turnout in the latest LegCo polls.