Democratic development in Hong Kong has been a major topic since the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997. 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 full universal suffrage was never granted by the British to the territory before the handover in 1997. But one should also note the British overseas territory Gibraltar had already achieved a high degree of political liberalisation, unlike Hong Kong. Attempts to bring Hong Kong citizens on to the negotiationing table by the British during the Sino-Anglo discussions was rejected by Beijing during the early 1980s. The last governor Chris Patten faced a great deal of opposition in changing the former colony's political system.
Contents |
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". The activists were detained and dragged away by the police for four hours.[1]
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]
Universal suffrage
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 an 800-member cabinet, in which the members are not directly elected by Hong Kong citizens. The Pan-democrats, especially, have voiced concerns that this threatens Hong Kong's autonomy granted to them by the Basic Law. After the failure of striking for 2007 universal suffrage, the pro-democracy camp has pushed for this in 2012, whereas the pro-Beijing camp has pushed for universal suffrage in 2017. The 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.
Timeline
- 29 December 2007 - The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deputy secretary general, Qiao Xiaoyang, visited Hong Kong to rule out universal suffrage being introduced by 2012. About 700 protesters marched to the Government House, where Mr Qiao was to brief lawmakers and district councillors on the decision.[3] Video footage showed protesters burning newspapers in a tire, which represent the "poisonous air in Hong Kong society". When a police officer tried to put out the fire, Leung Kwok-hung and Andrew To reignited it.[3] The police officer told the court he tried to extinguish the fire a second time he felt a “forceful” shove from Andrew To. Leung then pushed him, causing him to fall and knock his head. Both democrats were found guilty of assault using "illegal force".[4]
- 1 January 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.[4]
- 13 January 2008 - Pan-democrats gathered a petition of 10,000 signatures requesting universal suffrage in 2012.[5] 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.[6] Protesters wore black and white clothes led by Cardinal Joseph Zen. Banners such as "Democracy delayed is democracy denied" were found.[7] 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."[8] Some were even calling Chief executive Donald Tsang a traitor.[8] 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.[6] Pro-Beijing members have welcomed this decision to grant universal suffrage by 2017 as "expressing the wishes of the people", as has been written in the Chief Executive's report regarding democratic development for the Region.[9]
- 1 January 2009 - League of Social Democrats holds bicycle parade.[10]
References
- ^ a b Chan, Ming K. [1997] (1997). The Challenge of Hong Kong's Reintegration With China. Hong Kong University Press. Hong Kong (China). ISBN 9622094414.
- ^ News.gov.hk. "News.gov.hk." Dialogue, consensus, key to reform. Article 19 May 2004. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
- ^ a b South China Morning Post. "SCMP." Activists receive community service for assulating policeman. Retrieved on 2009-01-18.
- ^ a b South China Morning Post. "SCMP." Long Hair ordered to do community service. Retrieved on 2009-01-18.
- ^ Scmp. "Scmp." Pan-democrats keep up momentum for 2012. Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ a b Atimes. "Atimes." Hong Kong on the march - again. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
- ^ Reuters. "Reuters." HK protesters march against Beijing suffrage ruling. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
- ^ a b Breitbart. "Breitbart associated press." Thousands march for universal suffrage in H.K. by 2012+. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
- ^ Scmp. "Scmp." Tsang's 2020 vision. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
- ^ HK government. "HK government." Government's response to LSD parade. Retrieved on 2009-01-05.
See also
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
