The recent District Council elections in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) marked a significant milestone in the city’s governance. Under the revamped electoral system, designed to ensure that the councils focus on community issues and align with the provisions of the Basic Law, Hong Kong is poised for a brighter future.
According to Article 97 of the Basic Law, District Councils are intended to advise the government “on district administration and other affairs” and to provide services in areas such as culture, recreation, and environmental sanitation. The reforms implemented earlier this year aim to realign the councils with these objectives, following a period of political turmoil.
In 2019, many District Councilors deviated from their intended roles, engaging in activities that disrupted social harmony and deviated from the “one country, two systems” principle. Their actions highlighted the need for a system that ensures councilors are dedicated to serving the community and upholding the Basic Law.
On May 2, 2023, the HKSAR government announced comprehensive electoral changes to depoliticize the councils and refocus them on local affairs. Candidates for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election were required to meet patriotism criteria, ensuring their commitment to the HKSAR and the Basic Law. All 399 candidates who stood for election passed the vetting procedures.
The reformed councils now comprise 470 members. Of these, 88 seats across 18 districts were filled through popular voting on December 10. Despite the lower voter turnout of 27.54 percent compared to previous elections, over 1.19 million voters participated, reflecting the public’s engagement with the new system. The lower turnout may be attributed to unfamiliarity with the restructured electoral process.
The remaining seats are filled through a combination of appointments and selections. The Chief Executive appoints 179 members based on their local knowledge and experience, while another 176 are selected through indirect elections by district-level committees such as the area committees, the District Fight Crime Committee, and the Fire Safety Committee. Additionally, 27 rural committee chairpersons from the New Territories hold positions in the councils.
The revamped system is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the District Councils in addressing local needs and improving public services. By ensuring that councilors are dedicated to community welfare and uphold the Basic Law, the HKSAR aims to foster social harmony and advance its development under the “one country, two systems” framework.
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District Council elections: Revamped system heralds brighter future
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