ABSTRACT
Election is to form policy-making bodies representative of the public's views which offer necessary legitimacy for successful implementation of public policies. In Hong Kong, the controversy on the election of its Legislative Council (Legco) is a most divisive political issue. With an electoral system that is biased towards the allies of Beijing and Hong Kong government, Legco's function of representation is weakened. Legco's supervisory and, to a lesser extent, legislative functions are also affected. The shortcomings in the electoral system also destine the democrats to be minorities in Legco despite its success in grossing 60 percent of the votes in elections. The political deadlocks turn the democrats to collaborate with civil society and weaken the legitimacy of the executive branch. This chapter will start by discussing the signifi cance of the election of Legco in Hong Kong's political transformation. It will then outline the constitutional and institutional contours that constrain Legco and shape the relations between Legco and the executive branch, and between Legco and civil society respectively. By identifying the implications of Legco election to non-liberal regimes, the chapter will argue that fair and unrigged elections do not necessarily dilute the political center's control on Hong Kong. Instead, election provides necessary representation for legitimating government policies. Furthermore, elected representatives can lead to a government more responsive to the public and strengthen the quality of governance. Behind the scenario is a rule of law system enshrining the values of liberty, equality, and tolerance.
