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CRS Reports & Analysis
CRS Insights
China's Leaders Quash Hong Kong's Hopes for Democratic Election Reforms
Michael F. Martin, Specialist in Asian Affairs (mfmartincr.lc. gv, 7-2199)
An August 31 decjiion by China's National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) placed strict
conditions on any possible electoral reforms in Hong Kong-setting the stage for a contentious and
difficult process as the city's political bodies begin work on possible legislation to alter the rules for
selecting Hong Kong's Chief Executive.
Reactions to the NPCSC's decision varied widely. While Hong Kong's current Chief Executiv Ln
Chu-in welcomed the Drecious QffeK from the NPCSC, pro-democracy advocates expressed a
mixture of disappointment and outrage at the decision. While all concerned, including the NPCSC,
accept that the Chief Executive may be elected in 2017 by universal suffrage for all eligible Hong Kong
voters, there is sharp disagreement over procedures for the nomination of candidates.
The NPCSC Decision
The decision responded to a rep~r submitted to the NPCSC in July by Chief Executive Leung on the
need to amend the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2017 and the Legislative Council
(Legco) in 2016. While the NPCSC decision concluded that the existing formation method and voting
procedures for the Legislative Council are not to be amended, it determined, among other things, that
for the Chief Executive's selection:
A broadly representative nominating committee shall be formed ... in accordance with the
number of members, composition, and formation method of the Election Committee for the
Fourth Chief Executive [emphasis added];
* The nominating committee shall nominate two to three candidates ....;
* Each candidate must have the endorsement of more than half of all members of the nominating
committee;
All eligible voters in Hong Kong will have the right to vote for the Chief Executive; and
The winner of the election will be subject to the approval of the NPCSC.
An element in the decision that also sparked a strong reaction was the NPCSC's statement that the
principle that the Chief Executive has to be a person who loves the country and loves Hong Kong
[ M] 1] must be upheld. This principle has sparked controversy as the concept does not appear in
the Basic Law (Hong Kong's constitution) as a requirement to serve as Chief Executive.
The fourth Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, was nominated and selected in 2012 by an Election
Committee consisting of 1,200 members, most of whom are viewed as supportive of the government of
People's Republic of China (PRC). Under the Basic Law, the Election Committee is divided into four
equal groups representing: (1) the industrial, commercial, and financial sectors; (2) various
professions; (3) labor, social services, religious, and other social sectors; and (4) members of Legco,
Hong Kong's District Councils, Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, and Hong Kong's
representatives to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, an
official PRC body.
Hong Kong's Response
Several prominent political leaders expressed their views publicly. Martin Lee, founder of Hong Kong's
Democratic Party, told protesters at a rally,](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/crsmthaadlc0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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