When we talk about the spirit and definition of democracy, the definition by Larry Diamond, a professor at Stanford University, is often a go-to definition. He defines democracy as a “political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections”. The people can actively participate in politics and civic life. Human rights and rule of law can be protected throughout the system, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
If we use these four key elements, namely “election”, “participation”, “human rights” and “rule of law”, to evaluate the new electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the new setup can be classified as a real democratic movement.
The new electoral system is implemented in accordance with the constitutional order and actual situation of Hong Kong. The design of the three elections for the Election Committee, Legislative Council and the chief executive was made by the Decision of the National People’s Congress at the Fourth Session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 11.
If we use these four key elements, namely “election”, “participation”, “human rights” and “rule of law” to evaluate our new electoral system in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the new system would be eligible to be classified as a real democratic movement
The new mechanism is in accordance with the Basic Law and is an embodiment of the rule of law under “one country, two systems”.
The principle of balanced participation is honored in every step of the new elections. The influence of the tycoons has been curbed by limited entry to the committee, where each family can only have two of their members run for the election. Among the 1,247 candidates running for the Election Committee election, only 377 are incumbents.
Seventy percent are new faces in the political landscape in Hong Kong while 7,900 voters are from diverse backgrounds, ranging from the grass root level to social elites and celebrities. Sixty-seven percent of the voters are corporate representatives. Unlike in the past, their votes will represent collective interests rather than individuals.
These measures point to a clear message that no power can work against the national security and public interests of Hong Kong. It is a fair game for all in which everyone can participate free from the influence of capital.
The principle of balanced participation is honored in every step of the new election. The influence of the tycoons has been curbed by limited entry to the committee, where each family can only have two of their members run for the election
The new electoral system will lead Hong Kong to recover from the political polarization. The enhanced representation and all-round participation will stabilize the social atmosphere by enabling an inclusive election.
Last weekend, many of the Election Committee ex officio members organized roadshows to explain to the public what the election is and how the reform can protect human rights for the betterment of Hong Kong. This is an important public engagement exercise as the public can ask the Election Committee members about their criteria in selecting the next chief executive and legislative councilors. It is a safe civic life that secures the human rights of all, and which strengthens social justice. Under the new system, there will be no place for riots of the kind seen in 2019.
For the sake of building an international and pluralistic society, the new electoral system is a key and fundamental step for democratic movement in Hong Kong. The new electoral system embodies all four definitive elements of democracy as defined by Professor Larry Diamond. The systematic change brings the new law and order, which will be enjoyed by all citizens in Hong Kong. We expect to see the sophisticated institutional change brings out a better governance capacity to resolve the predicament of Hong Kong.
Maxine Yao is a surveyor and community organizer of Path of Democracy.
When we talk about the spirit and definition of democracy, the definition by Larry Diamond, a professor at Stanford University, is often a go-to definition. He defines democracy as a “political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections”. The people can actively participate in politics and civic life. Human rights and rule of law can be protected throughout the system, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
If we use these four key elements, namely “election”, “participation”, “human rights” and “rule of law”, to evaluate the new electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the new setup can be classified as a real democratic movement.
The new electoral system is implemented in accordance with the constitutional order and actual situation of Hong Kong. The design of the three elections for the Election Committee, Legislative Council and the chief executive was made by the Decision of the National People’s Congress at the Fourth Session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 11.
If we use these four key elements, namely “election”, “participation”, “human rights” and “rule of law” to evaluate our new electoral system in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the new system would be eligible to be classified as a real democratic movement
The new mechanism is in accordance with the Basic Law and is an embodiment of the rule of law under “one country, two systems”.
The principle of balanced participation is honored in every step of the new elections. The influence of the tycoons has been curbed by limited entry to the committee, where each family can only have two of their members run for the election. Among the 1,247 candidates running for the Election Committee election, only 377 are incumbents.
ALSO READ: HK voters turn out for first polls under new electoral system
Seventy percent are new faces in the political landscape in Hong Kong while 7,900 voters are from diverse backgrounds, ranging from the grass root level to social elites and celebrities. Sixty-seven percent of the voters are corporate representatives. Unlike in the past, their votes will represent collective interests rather than individuals.
These measures point to a clear message that no power can work against the national security and public interests of Hong Kong. It is a fair game for all in which everyone can participate free from the influence of capital.
The principle of balanced participation is honored in every step of the new election. The influence of the tycoons has been curbed by limited entry to the committee, where each family can only have two of their members run for the election
The new electoral system will lead Hong Kong to recover from the political polarization. The enhanced representation and all-round participation will stabilize the social atmosphere by enabling an inclusive election.
Last weekend, many of the Election Committee ex officio members organized roadshows to explain to the public what the election is and how the reform can protect human rights for the betterment of Hong Kong. This is an important public engagement exercise as the public can ask the Election Committee members about their criteria in selecting the next chief executive and legislative councilors. It is a safe civic life that secures the human rights of all, and which strengthens social justice. Under the new system, there will be no place for riots of the kind seen in 2019.
READ MORE: Election Committee members in outreach to heed public opinion
For the sake of building an international and pluralistic society, the new electoral system is a key and fundamental step for democratic movement in Hong Kong. The new electoral system embodies all four definitive elements of democracy as defined by Professor Larry Diamond. The systematic change brings the new law and order, which will be enjoyed by all citizens in Hong Kong. We expect to see the sophisticated institutional change brings out a better governance capacity to resolve the predicament of Hong Kong.
Maxine Yao is a surveyor and community organizer of Path of Democracy.
On July 16, Community Lab members donated 100 bottles of 3.8L alcohol-based handrub to the Hong Kong Single Parents Association. Ms. Jessie Yu Sau Chu, BBS, MH, JP, Chairlady of Hong Kong Single Parents Association, is the representative of accepting these materials. It helps Hong Kong families to fight the virus together and look forward to a better future.
Community Lab members donated 100 bottles of 3.8L alcohol-based handrub to the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong on July 16. Mr Sam To Kwok Sum, Senior Manager of The Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong, is the representative of accepting these materials. It helps people in Hong Kong to have enough disinfection materials to fight the epidemic.
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The government always encourages the public to get vaccinated. In addition, real estate developers and the MTR have launched campaigns which offer an apartment and train tickets, which have gained attention in the community.
Vaccination is the most effective way to fight the virus and protect yourself and others. Remember to sign up for Vaccination as soon as possible!
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In a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the beginning of 2019, just before the outbreak of Covid-19,10 threats to global health were identified. In descending order of severity, they are air pollution and climate change; Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease; Global influenza pandemic; Fragile and vulnerable public healthcare system; Antimicrobial resistance; Ebola and other high-threat pathogens; Weak primary health care; Vaccine hesitancy and the last two are the Dengue Fever and HIV respectively.
Within the context of a COVID-hit Hong Kong, we need to pay extra attention to the 3rd and 8th threats, i.e. Global influenza and the vaccine hesitancy. According to the statistics of Vaccination Program of Department of Health from 2018 to 2021, the total number of vaccine recipients today is 17% higher than 2 years ago. Community Lab is aware that the mortality rate is 5 times higher if one has contracted Covid-19 and Influenza A viruses at the same time. To better equip our community, Community Lab, together with Hong Kong Health Care Federation, have assisted 80 HK people to get quadrivalent influenza vaccines on 9 Oct 2020. Most of them were over 50-year-old persons qualified for the benefits. Some of them were ethnic minorities. To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, we also gave each person a box of custard lava mooncakes as a token of our gratitude for their proactiveness in fighting the virus.
Advisory Committee on Vaccine of WHO found that the top reasons for Vaccine hesitancy is complacency, that is, some people, though acquiring no professional knowledge on a subject matter, might still be confident in their decision based on their own, often uninformed judgement. Other main reasons include the convenience of getting the vaccines, whether one can easily access to vaccines, and the lack of confidence, i.e. whether they believe in the efficacy of the vaccines.
We, Community Lab hope that HK residents can put their trust in the medical information released by reliable sources. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent Covid-19. If we want to fight the virus, we need to maintain a high vaccination rate. Protect ourselves and our family. Prevention is better than cure, get vaccinated early.
