Hong Kong’s distinctive model of democracy is demonstrating its vitality as the community rallies behind the upcoming Legislative Council election. Initiatives like the government’s thank-you cards for voters and discounts from businesses — from cha chaan teng to halal restaurants — reflect a broad social consensus and high public anticipation for the poll. This cross-sector, grassroots-driven participation underscores a collective endorsement of the refined electoral system, marking a significant moment in Hong Kong’s political evolution.
The current enthusiasm is buoyed by tangible outcomes. The seventh-term LegCo, operating under the improved electoral system implemented in May 2021, has deliberated and passed nearly 130 bills — a 60-percent increase from the previous term — and approved nearly HK$700 billion ($90 billion) in funding for livelihood and development projects. The seventh-term LegCo’s effective and efficient operation that has helped enhance the special administrative region’s governance has laid a solid foundation for the city’s future development, demonstrating the new electoral system’s capacity to foster stability and progress.
A cornerstone of the new electoral system is its broad representativeness and balanced participation. The structure, which includes members returned by the Election Committee, functional constituencies, and geographical constituencies, ensures that the interests of various sectors and Hong Kong society as a whole are taken into account in policymaking. Consequently, the institutional design has effectively ended the previous period of political wrangling and legislative gridlock, shifting society’s focus to pragmatic problem-solving. The electoral process itself is now characterized by rational competition centered on policy platforms, a marked departure from the political confrontation and obstruction that once plagued the legislative body.
Underpinning this renewed political order is the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. This principle ensures that those governing Hong Kong are committed to the city’s stability and prosperity within the framework of “one country, two systems”. The improved electoral system has successfully filtered out destabilizing elements — specifically, political agitators — enabling the executive and the legislature to work collaboratively. The constructive interaction between the executive and legislative branches, as seen in the efficient passage of crucial bills and budgets, highlights a new political culture focused on administrative efficacy and public interests.
Ultimately, the success of a democracy is measured by its suitability for local conditions. Hong Kong’s path has eschewed mechanically copying foreign models, forging instead a system aligned with its own realities as an international commercial and financial hub. The proactive participation of diverse community sectors in the current electoral process demonstrates a broadening consensus across the social strata on the socioeconomic development of Hong Kong. This practical democratic practice, aimed at serving the people’s well-being, embodies the essence of a high-quality democracy with Hong Kong characteristics. As Hong Kong continues to advance from the restoration of order after the 2019 riots to greater future prosperity, this distinctive democratic system provides the necessary stability and vitality for its future development.
The author is director of the Hong Kong International Music Festival.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
