The decision of Hong Kong’s lawmakers last week to vote down a proposal put forth by Beijing to reform the city’s electoral system was hardly a surprise. The plan, which would give Hong Kong’s voters the right to directly elect their Chief Executive (CE) but from a list of pre-approved candidates, triggered large-scale protests last year when it was announced. Opponents say it is just another means for Beijing to retain control. Beijing’s explanation is that it is only doing what it promised to do at the time of Hong Kong’s transition from being a British colony to a special administrative region of China. Under the Hong Kong Basic Law, adopted by China in 1990, the CE would be elected by universal suffrage in 2017; but a committee would supervise the nominations. Hong Kong had been a British colony for over 150 years till it was handed over in 1997. All those years it was ruled by governors appointed by London. When the British withdrew, Beijing offered a semblance of democracy to Hong Kong under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. In contrast to the British-style appointment of governors, the city’s CE is now elected by a 1,200-member committee of Hong Kong’s elite.
Those who support Beijing’s latest reform plan say it is a step in the right direction in Hong Kong’s evolving democracy, giving the people a chance to vote while not undermining Beijing’s authority. But most politicians in the Legislative Council don’t seem convinced by this argument. They want an election process that is completely free of Beijing’s involvement. This position raises three questions. First, while the argument for full democracy that includes open nomination of candidates for the post of CE could appear to be politically correct, does it have the support of the Basic Law that the Chinese government says it is bound by? Second, is it logical to believe that Beijing would agree to a government that is hostile to it being elected in Hong Kong? And, is it possible in practical terms for Hong Kong to live in perpetual hostility with Beijing, which has grown into an economic and geopolitical powerhouse in the past three decades? Hong Kong’s dissenting politicians should show pragmatism in dealing with this situation. On the other hand, China’s decision that it would go ahead with the reform plan despite the vote is imprudent. It cannot possibly overhaul the city’s electoral system without taking its people along; Beijing needs to avoid fractious outcomes given the city’s dominant mood. There are objective conditions for both sides to give up their intransigent positions and make a deal that would be in the best interests of the financial and commercial hub that is Hong Kong.
