Lekha G
The Hong Kong’s legislature has resumed debate pertaining to amend the present electoral laws, a significant change that would increase the number of pro-Beijing lawmakers in decision-making for the city.
The amendments on approval would result in background checking of potential candidates for public office by the city’s national security department and the Hong Kong’s legislature seats would expand to 90 of which 40 will be elected by pro-Beijing election committee.
Further, the number of legislators elected directly by Hong Kong voters would decrease to 20 from 35 and a new committee would be set up to ensure the candidates are patriotic.
The changes were introduced as a result of changes endorsed by China’s parliament and Beijing’s control over the city due to various anti-government protests and political strikes in 2019.
Earlier an amendment approved by the legislature led to over 400 district councilors of the city to take oath pledging loyalty to Hong Kong and upholding its Constitution altering the earlier requirement that mandated oath taking only of legislators and government officials.