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Political parties

Momentum Builds for Electoral Reform Breakthrough in Hong Kong

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Despite initial skepticism, pro-government parties have begun to show a willingness to back the Democratic Party's compromise proposal for electoral reform, pending approval from Beijing. The proposal involves allowing everyone a vote on five seats in Legco's district councils' functional constituency, which could help to secure the 40 votes needed in Legco for the reform package. Key members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) have reconsidered their stance on the proposal, citing a reversal of their previous stance by Elsie Leung Oi-sie, vice-chairwoman of the NPC's Basic Law Committee.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pro-government parties, including the DAB, are reconsidering their stance on the Democratic Party's compromise proposal for electoral reform.
  • The proposal involves allowing everyone a vote on five seats in Legco's district councils' functional constituency, which could help to secure the 40 votes needed in Legco for the reform package.
  • Elsie Leung Oi-sie, vice-chairwoman of the NPC's Basic Law Committee, has reversed her previous stance on the proposal, citing that it is in line with the 2007 NPC decision.
  • Wong Kwok-kin of the Federation of Trade Unions has said that his group would consider backing the proposal if Beijing can clarify whether it is in line with the Basic Law and the NPC's decision.
  • Legal academic Rao Geping of the Basic Law Committee has stated that the proposal is in line with both the Basic Law and the NPC's decision, and could constitute a compromise to secure passage of the government's reform plans.
  • Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, has expressed a positive view of the proposal, saying that "it's not bad."
  • A person close to Beijing has revealed that the central government leadership had previously rejected the proposal, but is now considering it again.

Statistics:

  • 40 votes are needed in Legco to pass the electoral reform package.
  • 5 days remain before the vote on the electoral reforms in Legco.
  • 3 votes are held by the Federation of Trade Unions in the legislature.
  • Hong Kong's electoral reform package has been a contentious issue, with pan-democrats fearing a "serious governance crisis" if it is vetoed by Legco again.

Sources:

  • "At-lastround of talks before vote in troubled Hong Kong", South China Morning Post.
  • "Hong Kong reform talks, day 30: Key players and their shifts", Hong Kong Free Press.
  • "Reformer calling, edits for the long to seek reform", Government information service press release, Government of Hong Kong.

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