Hong Kong has taken significant steps to enhance the effectiveness of its District Councils through comprehensive electoral reforms. These changes are designed to depoliticize the councils and refocus their efforts on community issues, aligning with the vision set forth in Article 97 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Traditionally, District Councils have played a pivotal role in advising the government on district administration and providing essential services in areas such as culture, recreation, and environmental sanitation. However, recent reforms aim to strengthen this role by ensuring that councilors are committed to promoting public welfare and addressing local concerns.
In May 2023, the HKSAR government announced sweeping electoral changes to ensure that District Councils remain focused on their core responsibilities. One notable change is the introduction of patriotism criteria for candidates, ensuring that all 399 hopefuls in the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election met the necessary standards. This move is intended to foster a more cohesive and dedicated council workforce.
The newly restructured councils now comprise 470 members. Of these, 88 seats across 18 districts are filled through popular voting. Additionally, 179 seats are directly appointed by the Chief Executive, drawing on individuals with significant local knowledge and experience. The remaining 176 seats are selected through indirect elections by three district-level committees: the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committee, and the Fire Safety Committee, which collectively include 2,490 members. Furthermore, there are 27 positions reserved for rural committee chairmen in the New Territories.
On December 10, over 1.19 million voters participated in the elections for the 88 geographical constituency seats, marking a turnout of 27.54 percent. While this turnout is lower compared to previous elections, it reflects the introduction of a new system that many voters are still adapting to.
These reforms signify Hong Kong's commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring that District Councils effectively serve their communities. By focusing on community issues and maintaining high standards for council members, Hong Kong aims to create a more responsive and responsible local government structure.
Reference(s):
District Council elections: Revamped system heralds brighter future
cgtn.com
