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Hong Kong political reform

In June 2015, Hong Kong lawmakers voted on a political reform proposal for how to elect the city's leader by universal suffrage in 2017. Based on a framework approved by Beijing, the plan limited the number of candidates to two or three, with victory going to a person who could win majority support from a 1,200-strong nominating committee. Arguing the arrangement would not offer genuine universal suffrage, pan-democratic lawmakers opposed the plan, which failed as pro-establishment lawmakers did not produce enough votes to secure its passage.

last updated:

9 September, 2024

John Lee

Editorial | Xi puts faith in Lee to deliver on Hong Kong economic development, reform

Hong Kong chief executive on duty visit to Beijing receives praise as well as being instructed to focus on national goals and advantages under ‘one country, two systems’.

14 Dec 2024 - 6:30AM

Hong Kong

Editorial | New code of conduct offers clarity on Hong Kong civil servants’ behaviour

14 Jun 2024 - 6:15AM

Hong Kong courts

Prosecutors to appeal 1 of 2 acquittals in trial of Hong Kong 47

13 Jun 2024 - 11:39PM

Hong Kong political reform

Editorial | Xi puts faith in Lee to deliver on Hong Kong economic development, reform

Hong Kong chief executive on duty visit to Beijing receives praise as well as being instructed to focus on national goals and advantages under ‘one country, two systems’.

Editorial | New code of conduct offers clarity on Hong Kong civil servants’ behaviour

Prosecutors to appeal 1 of 2 acquittals in trial of Hong Kong 47

Editorial | Legal process seen to take its course with landmark Hong Kong verdicts

After 14 defendants are found guilty of subversion and two acquitted under the national security law, Hong Kong judges have explained in detail the reasoning behind their decisions.

Letters | 3 bold ways within our reach to lift Hong Kong

Readers discuss the benefits of a push for universal suffrage while shoring up the economy, why we should bring our own cutlery when dining out, and the ills of high property prices and unbridled capitalism.

Opinion | Hong Kong is ready to have one person, one vote for chief executive

Inside Out | Dubai a reminder to Hong Kong that democracy isn’t everything

Opinion | It’s not Beijing that’s turning Hong Kong into just another Chinese city

Over the past two years, there have been more signs that Hong Kong’s political elite are driving an increasing mainlandisation, chipping away at the city’s distinctive status and advantages.

Opinion | Hong Kong must defend the ‘two systems’ advantages that make it special

While geopolitics has hurt the world’s perception of Hong Kong, the city should also reflect on whether it has indulged too much in past glory and is ill prepared for survival and revival under new circumstances.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s first ‘depoliticised’ district polls raise more questions than answers

Tough questions must be asked about the election’s record low voter turnout and how defanged political parties can play a more ‘constructive’ role in an overhauled system

Opinion | Hong Kong district council elections: why weak middle class turnout is troubling

The expanded constituencies mean candidates need to cover a large population, with those with deep connections to public housing estates having an advantage. Candidates relying on middle-class support to win district council seats have been left disappointed.

Hong Kong district council election: can the ‘patriotic’ winners deliver?

Councillors’ performance will affect people’s confidence in electoral system overhauled at the behest of the central government, observers say.

Editorial | Hong Kong public expects better city, as promised in district poll revamp

Hong Kong now looks to ‘patriotic’ councillors successfully returned following a ballot marred by technical glitches and an anticipated low turnout.

Hong Kong’s first ‘patriots-only’ district poll is ‘real, functioning democracy’

Beijing and its local offices offer congratulations to winning candidates, say vote important in implementing the principle of ‘patriots governing Hong Kong’.

Hong Kong election body under fire over computer system failure in district poll

Political leaders Regina Ip, Stanley Ng and Priscilla Leung hit out at glitch that prompted extension of voting hours, with John Lee vowing investigation into failure.

Exclusive | Beijing not taking Hong Kong’s current calm for granted: CY Leung

‘I don’t think anyone, Beijing included, has the illusion of being able to change the political situation in Hong Kong overnight,’ Leung Chun-ying says.

Hong Kong civil servants ‘are duty-bound to vote in district council election’

No 2 official Eric Chan and deputy Warner Cheuk call on government workers to cast ballots in first district council race held under Beijing’s electoral overhaul.

Opinion | District council elections: how opposition parties can reinvent themselves

With no presence in Legco and, soon, on the district councils, the opposition’s nomination failure is a chance to consider how they can better serve Hong Kong.

Hongkongers on mainland can vote at 2 places near border for district poll

Government says it will turn two schools near Sheung Shui MTR station into polling sites for December 10 vote.

Opinion | John Lee’s policy address will need to deliver hope, above all else

With Covid-19 a non-issue and domestic politics stable, people expect Lee’s administration to start delivering on economic growth, livelihood issues, housing and, crucially, hope.

Hong Kong’s DAB elects new head who vows ‘good governance’ focus over vote chase

Gary Chan becomes chairman of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, replacing Starry Lee, who said she would stand down last month.

Opinion | Don’t let Hong Kong’s political apathy become a ticking time bomb

Political powerlessness fuelled 2019’s social unrest. Sweeping political changes since then have left Hongkongers disengaged, and deep trust issues remain. The authorities must work on re-engaging the electorate.

Opinion | Hong Kong 2.0 is about delivering certainty amid US-China volatility

Despite the restored stability in Hong Kong, the perception of uncertainty continues with national security concerns made more acute by geopolitical tensions. The government will have to work on delivering certainty and hope.

Opinion | While Starry Lee’s future looks bright, what of the DAB?

As Starry Lee leaves party leadership and district council work behind to focus on national politics, the challenge for her DAB successor is to find a future for the party in a changed political landscape.

First Hong Kong district council election under new system to be held in December

Political parties signal intent to field candidates in December’s district council election, but say larger constituencies will put pressure on finances.

Editorial | Hong Kong must ensure the reputation of rule of law is maintained

Editorial | Onus on revamped Hong Kong district councils to come up with goods

Bodies constituted under ‘patriot only’ governance model must show they can better manage municipal affairs and reflect different views of society in the city.

Opinion | Hong Kong political drama ends with district council reforms

This political detox should be enough for the powers that be to feel more secure about the new electoral system: mechanisms are in place to ensure that this city’s public office holders on all levels are certified patriots.