Chinese citizens who live in China are eligible to vote in Hong Kong as part of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’. They vote for some of the seats available in the Legislative Council (Leg Co), Hong Kong’s Parliament.
The Leg Co is a powerful body and has the authority over the following areas,
Law making
Budget and taxation
Judicial appointments
It can also impeach the Chief Executive, head of the Hong Kong Government. Elections for the Leg Co occur every four years and voters are able to vote for members based on their geographical location or occupation
The 'One Country, Two Systems' approach has allowed citizens in Hong Kong to have more rights and freedoms than people in mainland China. These rights include freedom of the press, rule of law and free speech. However, moves by the CCP to tighten its grip on the area have seen growing numbers of arrests, detentions and trials.
In 2019, protestors took to the streets of Hong Kong to voice their opposition to a new extradition bill, which would allow people accused of crimes to be sent to the mainland to stand trial. John Li, ex-police chief is now Hong Kong’s Chief Executive (equivalent to PM) and many are concerned at his pro-CCP stance.
In 2020 a ‘National Security Law’ was introduced which gave the Chinese Government further controls in Hong Kong. People’s rights to free speech, media and association have become limited and some high profile figures have been arrested or detained under this law.
Joshua Wong, political activist was arrested and Nathan Law, a pro-democracy activist, escaped before arrest and now lives in exile due to his political stance.
