Pro-Beijing candidates sweep Hong Kong elections

It was also the first general election since China introduced a new national security law

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It was also the first general election since China introduced a new national security law, making it easier for China to punish pro-democracy protesters of Hong Kong. Under Beijing’s heavy hand, Hong Kong’s electoral system also took a sharp turn for the worse.

Just 20 of the 90 seats in the Legislative Council are now directly elected; the rest are chosen by industry groups or Beijing loyalists. China imposed a “patriots only” policy determining which candidates can run. The move was widely seen as China’s plan to tighten control over Hong Kong.

It would mean the death of the “one country, two systems” framework promised by China. If this continues, the Legislative Council of Hong Kong will be rubber-stamp nature of China. 

Western nations have expressed “grave concern” about Hong Kong’s electoral system. The turnout hit a record low. Only 30.2% of voters participated in the elections.

Hong Kong Protests Explained – click here 

Source: asia.nikkei.com