Democratic development in Hong Kong

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Democracy protesters on 13 Jan, 2008 demanding universal suffrage by 2012
Democracy protesters on 13 Jan, 2008 demanding universal suffrage by 2012

Democratic development in Hong Kong has been a major topic since the 1997 handover. The One country, two systems principle allows the Hong Kong government to administer all areas of government except foreign relations and (military) defense separately from the national Chinese government. Many Hong Kong citizens became concerned about democratic development when the first Chief executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee-hwa appeared to have mishandled this issue. Other democracy-related issues involving human rights and universal suffrage became the new focal point for the pro-democracy camp. Nevertheless, it should be stressed that universal suffrage was never granted by the British to the territory before the handover in 1997.

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[edit] Background

During the 1996 election a 400-member HK SAR Selection Committee (推選委員會) voted for a Chief Executive to govern Hong Kong after 1997.[1] Pro-democracy activists, including Emily Lau, Andrew Cheng, and Lee Cheuk-yan, have insisted this threatened Hong Kong's welfare by denying the city full democracy. A "Tomb of democracy" was established outside the building shouting "oppose the phony election".

Pan-democrat groups such as the Article 45 Concern Group have interpreted Hong Kong Basic Law Article 45 as appearing to indicate universal suffrage as the ultimate aim. Members of the Hong Kong Government such as Elsie Leung have rejected this interpretation.[2]

[edit] Universal suffrage

Hong Kong is under the One country, two systems which ends in 2047. Protesters urged that "Democracy delayed is democracy denied".
Hong Kong is under the One country, two systems which ends in 2047. Protesters urged that "Democracy delayed is democracy denied".

Universal suffrage or the universal right to vote has been a main topic by the political parties in Hong Kong. It allows Hong Kong citizens to choose their representatives independently of any appointment by the national government, the Communist Party of China. At present, the Chief Executive is elected by a 800-member cabinet who are not elected. Pan-democrats especially have voiced concerns that this threatens Hong Kong's autonomy granted to them by the Basic Law. The pro-democracy camp has pushed for full universal suffrage in 2012, whereas the pro-Beijing camp has pushed for universal suffrage in 2017. Pan-democrats also worry that there are no details regarding the government system in Hong Kong for what happens after July 2047, which is when the One country, two systems 50-year guarantee granted by the Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, expires.

In December 2007, the Communist Party of China claimed that it would allow universal suffrage by 2017, and full LegCo councilors election by 2020. However, critics revealed that the possibility is still slim considering that Universal suffrage in Hong Kong would probably create a bad impact on the one party rule in Mainland China.

[edit] Timeline

An estimated 22,000 protesters showed up
An estimated 22,000 protesters showed up
  • January 1, 2008 - Pan-democrats expressed regret about the rejection of universal suffrage in 2012, but said they would continue to fight for the early introduction of full democracy. They warned about "fake universal suffrage" being promised given that details of the 2017 and 2020 polls are not settled. Democrat Martin Lee said Beijing’s proposals were “full of blanks” and contained no concrete details. “I do not see Hong Kong with genuine democracy in 10 years more or 20 years more. It is just a mirage,” the founder of the Democratic Party, told reporters.[3]
  • January 13, 2008 - Pan-democrats gathered a petition of 10,000 signatures requesting universal suffrage in 2012.[4] A peaceful protest was held with 22,000 people against the National People's Congress Standing Committee's delay of universal suffrage to 2017. The march went from Victoria park to the Central Government Offices.[5] Protesters wore black and white clothes led by Cardinal Joseph Zen. Banners such as "Democracy delayed is democracy denied" were found.[6] A 78-year old man who led the march said "The Communist party is not trustworthy. I have marched in every demonstration calling for democracy. Beijing can keep deferring from 2007 to 2017, then to 2027 to even 2037."[7] Some were even calling Chief executive Donald Tsang a traitor.[7] Around the same time, mainland authorities announced a freeze on exports of wheat flour to Hong Kong. This raised fears of a shortage by month's end affecting thousands of noodle shops and bakeries where 60% of the imports come from the mainland. After two days of pleading the authorities promised continued deliveries. It is uncertain as to whether this is just a coincidence.[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chan, Ming K. [1997] (1997). The Challenge of Hong Kong's Reintegration With China. Hong Kong University Press. Hong Kong (China). ISBN 9622094414.
  2. ^ News.gov.hk. "News.gov.hk." Dialogue, consensus, key to reform. Article May 19, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  3. ^ Scmp. "Scmp." HK has historica responsibility to implement political reform: Lam. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  4. ^ Scmp. "Scmp." Pan-democrats keep up momentum for 2012. Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
  5. ^ a b Atimes. "Atimes." Hong Kong on the march - again. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
  6. ^ Reuters. "Reuters." HK protesters march against Beijing suffrage ruling. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
  7. ^ a b Breitbart. "Breitbart associated press." Thousands march for universal suffrage in H.K. by 2012+. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.

[edit] See also