Hong Kong activists want to remember with a new Demonstration at a ground-breaking Beijing’s decision from five years ago. At the time of the Protest against the future election of the heads of government began.
(Archive) protesters smeared plate from the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong
For the coming Saturday, the democracy activists in Hong Kong have called for a large rally in front of the liaison office of the Central government in Hong Kong. The event, however, was forbidden, so that is to be expected with a new confrontation between security forces and demonstrators. The occasion of the fifth anniversary of the decision of the National people’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on the future manner of the election of the Chief Executive, the heads of government of Hong Kong.
31. August 2014 had the Chinese ticket-Parliament, the national people’s Congress, so, de facto, the KP leadership, decided that the Hong Kong Chief Executive should be determined from 2017 through “universal and equal suffrage”. However, with a crucial catch: Not every Hong Kong citizens may stand as candidates. The pro-Chinese selection Committee made up of various social and political groups, with 1200 members, which had been determined since the return of Hong Kong to China the Chief Executive, should continue to play a decisive role in the preparation of the candidates. The Commission shall select, with at least half of the members “two to three candidates”, the population in Hong Kong would then have to vote on it.
Parliament in Hong Kong, discussed the before Beijing proposed the election procedure on 18.06.2014
Protest against “choice” of hand-picked candidates
The Opposition in Hong Kong, was indignant. Practically, the new scheme was that those who do not support Beijing, have a Chance to join the electoral battle.
Activists from the political scientist Joseph Cheng, now Emeritus Professor at the City University of Hong Kong, demanded that the candidates of the political parties that received votes in the previous elections, five percent of the voters, or by a signature campaign with the support of at least one percent of the electorate was in place are allowed.
Angry demonstrators stormed after the announcement of the NPC decision on the roads. Students of the young leader Joshua Wong called on to protest actions, which were later, as an umbrella movement for headlines. The driving forces behind the students, as well as the civil rights movement “Occupy Central with Love and Peace” were what the peaceful occupation of the city centre was meant to be. 79 days, public life was paralyzed.
MEPs called for 2014 at the Hong Kong city Parliament “real” elections
Carrie Lam: “Transitional Solution”
Carrie Lam, the current incumbent, as Chief Executive, in 2014 at the top of the administrative apparatus. It expressed its support to the NPC decision. This is a transitional solution on the way to General elections, the selection Committee was also representative, Lam.
Beijing could declare that the new arrangements for the election of the Chief Executive, however, is easy, but the legislative Council or Legco (Parliament) of Hong Kong had to agree with Two-thirds majority. In the case of rejection of the old mode of election of the Chief Executive would continue to apply.
In 2015, the Pro-Chinese of deputies, 42 of the total 70 Seats in Parliament, less than two-thirds had. You were also the Chairman of Parliament. 17. June 2015 the draft law has been presented in the Legco for a vote. The debates lasted nine hours. 41 members had been talking to. On the following day the vote took place.
Dislocations of the Hong Kong Parliament
Shortly before the vote, a greater number of Pro-Chinese’s deputies left the session hall. Apparently, they wanted to make by their absence, the Parliament without a quorum, which is the case if less than half of the deputies is present. However, not all Pro-Chinese’s deputies went away. Of the remaining 37 members 28 voted against the new procedures, eight in favour of it. The Parliament Chairman did not take part traditionally in the vote. Thus, the draft law was off the table. The administrative head is elected by the China-friendly Commission. Also, half of the 70 seats in Parliament is occupied by a General election, the Rest as in the past by socially relevant groups.
Result of the vote on 18.06.2015
Beijing’s leadership had set out in the August 2014 open, why such a restrictive interpretation of the “General election” of Hong Kong’s chief Executive to be necessary: “The Chief Executive … is both against the special administrative region of HK, as well as to the government of the PRC accountable … Therefore, the principle must be kept high, that the office of Chief Executive must be exercised by a Person who loves the country and Hong Kong.”
In other words: General elections may not lead to someone without a firm inner commitment to the people’s Republic takes the helm of Hong Kong in the Hand.