As 161 finalised hopefuls compete in Hong Kong’s second “patriots-only” Legislative Council elections, they will have just a few weeks to make themselves and their policy platforms known to the wider public. Some with political backgrounds already have exposure, but it may be limited to the district level.
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Of the candidates, 49 are district councillors, a high number that is more than three times the 14 in 2021. Thirty-two of them are competing in direct or geographical elections. Name recognition will be all the more important as few have the star quality of Vivian Kong Man-wai, the Olympic fencing gold medallist, who is eyeing the functional seat for tourism.
All 161 candidates have qualified because they are considered patriotic and love Hong Kong. That is another way to spell out “one country two systems”, with “country” being considered first and foremost.
It’s how the reformed electoral system is meant to function, as Hong Kong moves from Western-style confrontational politics towards a consensus-building democracy aligned with the city’s social and political realities.
Many of the best-known old guards are retiring from Legco. Any political body needs new blood and talent, so this ought to be welcome, even if some new lawmakers will have to prove their mettle.
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A new breed of lawmakers must be critical in a constructive way, strive to deliver results, be flexible in dealing with the government and responsive to their constituents’ needs.