Wu Chi-wai

Opinion | Why Hong Kong should not give up on democratic elections despite disqualification of lawmakers

Although the disqualification of four lawmakers has called into question whether pro-democracy candidates should contest elections any more, doing so still serves a purpose even when the odds are stacked against them

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Hongkongers queue up to vote at a polling station in Tai Po on June 12 as part of the pan-democrat camp’s primary election to select candidates for the Legislative Council elections. The government later postponed the elections, citing the pandemic. An NPC Standing Committee decision leading to the disqualification of four lawmakers has called into question the fate of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp. Photo: Felix Wong

Wu Chi-wai

Published: 8:30am, 9 Dec 2020Updated: 8:38am, 9 Dec 2020

In response to Beijing’s resolution effectively disqualifying four democratic legislative councillors last month, the remaining lawmakers in the democratic camp resigned en masse in protest.

Beijing’s sudden move must have occurred because it was angered by democratic lawmakers’ tactics in the Legislative Council, which were stopping the Hong Kong government from passing laws as it pleased.

Therefore, Beijing threw a tantrum by moving to exercise complete control over Hong Kong’s internal affairs, showing the world how “two systems” virtually exists in name only, and that “one country, two systems” is all but dead.

After our resignation en masse, society proceeded to discuss whether the democratic camp should still run for Legco seats in the future. To approach this question, we need to thoroughly consider the meaning of elections under an authoritarian rule.

04:08

Hong Kong opposition lawmakers to resign en masse over Legislative Council disqualifications

The significance of elections is twofold. First, elections are a means for the public to express their opinions and are thus a major component of democracy. Elections mobilise the public to participate in democratic activities and enable them to realise the value and importance of the democratic system.