ABSTRACT
After postponing the election to the Legislative Council, Beijing unveiled the electoral reforms proposal for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. After promulgating the National Security Law and overhauling the electoral system, election to the Legislative Council was held on 19th December 2021. The National People’s Congress (NPC) passed the proposed changes on 11 March 2021. The selection of “patriots” is ensured by the setting up of a new candidate qualification review committee which the NPC said “shall be responsible for reviewing and confirming the qualification of the candidates for the Election Committee members, the Chief Executive and the LegCo members.” With the electoral reform, the number of Legislative Council member was increased to 90, with the additional members also to be nominated, thereby reducing the number of elected representatives. Beijing attributed the low turnout to the pandemic, the disruption and sabotage of anti-China elements in Hong Kong and external forces.
