ASIA/HONG KONG - Legislative Council elections - Democrats make small step forward, parties in favour of tighter bonds with Mainland China win people’s preference

Monday, 13 September 2004

Hong Kong (Fides Service) - Contrary to expectations and surveys which predicted a large majority of votes in their favour in the September 12 elections in Hong Kong, pro-democracy parties gained only 3 seats more then they had before, which means they will have 25 representatives in the Legislative Council instead of 22. This was a step forward but not the result they had hoped for.
Observers say Hong Kong’s democrats were penalised because of recent scandals involving party members and a complex voting system by which the people vote for half the members of the Legislative Council (60 in all) and the other 30 are voted by corporations of professions, business, trade, tourism finance.
A record number of voters went to the polls 55.6%. Democratic groups won 18 of the 30 seats assigned by popular election, previously they had 17. Whereas pro-Beijing parties won 12 seats, compared to the 7, which they won in the 2000 elections.
Observers say the electorate preferred stability and good relations with the central Chinese government to the battle for human rights and economic freedoms. The situaiton is the following pro-mainland China parties keep their 34 seats democratic parties moved up to 25 (from 22), and independent groups have only 1.
The democracy groups hoped for more advancement after three successful public demonstrations held this year on themes of defending human rights, civil freedoms, respect for territorial autonomy by Beijing: in January to say no to a Security Law for HK which restricted movement of citizens; June 4 in memory of the tragedy of Tiananmen Square July 1 on the anniversary of the hand-over. However economic incentives offered by the Chinese government before the elections, convinced many voters to choose parties, which back Beijing.
The Catholic Bishops in Hong Kong have always encouraged the local Catholics to fulfil their democratic duty and right to vote in elections. The Bishop of Hong Kong, Bishop Joseph Zen said the people should place their vote with honesty, trust in the providence of God and look to the future with hope.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/9/2004 lines 34 words 355)


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