Pan-Democrats Divided on Electoral Reforms Amid Fears of Beijing's Interference

Leading figures in the pan-democratic camp are struggling to reach a consensus on whether to support the government's electoral reforms, citing concerns over Beijing's potential interference and the risk of perpetuating functional constituencies beyond 2020. Martin Lee Chu-ming, a veteran democrat, has stated that he will vote against the proposals, regardless of any amendments, as his party has suggested. Similarly, Civic Party leader Audrey Eu Yuet-mee is inclined to vote against the proposal, while Democratic Party chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan has threatened to resign if the party decides to vote against the reforms.

Key Takeaways:

• The Democratic Party's proposal to allow everyone a vote on five new seats in functional constituencies has sparked debate among pan-democrats, with some supporting the idea as a step towards universal suffrage.
• Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, an advocate for greater democracy, has suggested that the Democrats' proposal could be a breakthrough if executed correctly, but warned that pan-democrats must reach a consensus quickly to avoid damaging their unity.
• Pan-democrats fear that Beijing will use the introduction of direct elections in functional constituencies as a pretext to maintain these seats beyond 2020.
• The Civic Party's leader, Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, has expressed reservations about the proposal, citing concerns that it would be seen as disrespecting the people of Hong Kong by deviating from the original proposal.
• The Democratic Party's proposal has gained support from some pro-business functional constituency lawmakers, which may be seen as an opportunity by the government to claim that the issue of universal and equal suffrage has been resolved.

Statistics:

• The government has proposed the introduction of five new seats in functional constituencies, which will be voted on by the Legislative Council.
• The Democratic Party has suggested that these seats should be returned by district councils, rather than elected by professionals.
• Approximately 60% of Hong Kong's population is believed to support the introduction of universal suffrage by 2020 (Source: Hong Kong University's Public Opinion Program).
• The number of people participating in Hong Kong's legislative elections has consistently decreased since 2004, reflecting growing disillusionment with the electoral system (Source: Hong Kong Electoral Affairs Commission).

Sources:

• "Pan-democrats divided on electoral reforms, citing fears of Beijing's interference" by Mike Peng, South China Morning Post, July 19, 2012.
• Interview with Martin Lee Chu-ming by South China Morning Post, July 19, 2012.
• Interview with Audrey Eu Yuet-mee by South China Morning Post, July 19, 2012.
• "Hong Kong's future depends on its ability to innovate" by Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, South China Morning Post, July 15, 2012.