Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Charles Mok addresses the city’s legislature next to placards
symbolising a vote against the government’s controversial electoral roadmap, in Hong Kong on June 18, 2015
Pro-democracy lawmaker Charles Mok addresses Hong Kong’s legislature
Lawmakers in Hong Kong have rejected a highly controversial proposal by the government to change the way the territory chooses its top leader.
The vote failed after only eight members of the Legislative Council voted for the motion, with 28 against it. Most of the other lawmakers in the 70-member council staged a dramatic walkout.
It capped nearly two years of debate, public consultations and months of street protests. So, what’s next for political reform in Hong Kong?
Another round of voting before 2017?
It is the responsibility of the chief executive, currently CY Leung, to initiate the process that would change how his position is selected.
Hong Kong’s next chief executive is likely to be selected in the same way as CY Leung
But after a landslide vote against the government’s proposal this week, Mr Leung has said he plans to focus on improving people’s livelihoods, instead of political reform, for the rest of his term as Hong Kong’s top leader.
His deputies have consistently stated the process would not begin anew before 2017, when the next chief executive election is due.
That means the next chief executive will be elected in the same way that Mr Leung was chosen.
He was selected by a 1,200-member committee, composed of members largely loyal to the Chinese government.
China throws weight behind HK leader
What is the process for starting future political reforms?
There is a five-step process for amending how the chief executive and members of the Legislative Council are elected.
First, the current chief executive must make a report to the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) asking for change.
Then, that body would decide whether changes are necessary. It may also issue a framework for future proposals to follow.
Thirdly, the Hong Kong government must create a proposal for voting at the Legislative Council. If it passes, the chief executive will then ratify the vote.
And finally, the Standing Committee must also approve it.
