08/09/2008
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HK votes amid economic woes
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HONG KONG: Hong Kong residents voted to elect a new legislature on Sunday, with the bruised democratic camp trying to maintain its watchdog legislative role against resurgent pro-Beijing rivals.
At stake is the pro-democracy camp's control of one third of the legislature, without which Hong Kong's reformists would lose crucial influence over political reforms aimed at creating a model of universal suffrage by 2017, with Beijing's consent.
Since Hong Kong reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises of a high degree of autonomy, the Democrats have pressured Beijing's Communist leaders to allow direct polls as promised in the city's mini-constitution, or Basic Law.
Beijing recently acquiesced, ruling in December to allow universal suffrage in 2017 at the earliest. But the pan-democrats fear China will propose a watered down version with electoral rules stacked against pro-democracy candidates. "It's a very dangerous moment," said activist and ex-lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung who is seeking re-election.
Leung said the democrats could be hurt by their tendency to promote lofty democratic ideals over livelihood concerns, with Hong Kong's economy slowing down quickly. Inflation reached more than 6 per cent and a weak stock market has badly struck consumption levels.
"If you're not going to facilitate the problem of the people at the grassroots level, surely you will lose their support is some kind of political impotence," Leung added.
Speaking at a polling station ringed by dozens of protesters angry at government policies, Hong Kong's leader Donald Tsang conceded the next four years would be "particularly trying" because of global financial turmoil. He also said, good lawmakers were needed to ensure a "prosperous, stable, calm and harmonious four years". Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp has also been hampered by infighting and a surge in post-Olympic nationalism, which could benefit pro-establishment rivals. A relatively low voter turnout by late afternoon on Sunday could also hurt their chances.
The Democrats need at least one third or 21 of the 60 legislative seats on offer to form a veto bloc to challenge future constitutional amendments including electoral reforms.
Since 1997, China has kept Hong Kong on a tight political leash, with the legislature serving as a check on the government's powers, led by a Chief Executive selected by a largely Beijing-backed, 800-seat electoral college. -Reuters
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