By Zoey SUN
Recently, Ta Kung Pao republished in full the white paper titled "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems", issued by the State Council Information Office in December 2021, sparking widespread attention and discussion. The white paper explicitly states that Hong Kong must resolutely follow a path of democratic development that aligns with its own circumstances, stressing that there is no single set of criteria for democracy and no single model of democracy that is universally acceptable. Democracy works only when it suits actual conditions and solves actual problems.
The white paper notes: "Disregarding the reality of one's own country and blindly copying the systems of others often causes chaos and brings disaster to the people." It is overly simplistic to regard the Western-style "one-person, one-vote" electoral system as the sole criterion for democracy. Looking globally, there are ample examples of regions that have fallen into difficulties due to uncritical adoption of Western democratic models: some have descended into prolonged political instability after elections, others have failed to improve governance efficiency, and in some cases, institutions formed through democratic processes were ultimately overthrown by military coups. These lessons illustrate that for a democratic system to function effectively, it must adapt to the local social structure, cultural traditions, and stage of development. Forcibly "transplanting" a system without regard for actual conditions will only result in incompatibility.
The process of advancing quality democracy is akin to choosing the right pair of shoes for a long journey: it is not about the brand or style but about whether the shoes fit properly and are comfortable for walking. For Hong Kong, the "right shoes" means aligning with the principles of "one country, two systems," upholding "patriots governing Hong Kong," conforming to local realities, and reflecting Hong Kong's unique characteristics. A "comfortable walk" is evident in ensuring fair competition and balanced participation in elections, ultimately addressing real-world issues, improving public welfare, safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and ensuring the steady implementation of "one country, two systems."
Practice is the only criterion for testing truth. Through the improvement of its electoral system, Hong Kong has found the "right shoes." The new electoral system has addressed the previous tendency toward over-politicization of elections, steering the legislature back toward rationality and pragmatism, and significantly enhancing governance efficiency. During its four-year term, the seventh Legislative Council passed 130 bills, 49 more than the previous term. Long-standing livelihood issues, such as the tunnel traffic diversion issues and the regulation of subdivided units, have seen substantial progress.
Most notably, the Legislative Council historically completed legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law, fulfilling a constitutional obligation that had been delayed for 26 years. Relations between the executive and legislative branches have improved significantly, with the government proposing over 1,800 amendments to 66 bills, nearly half of which incorporated suggestions from LegCo members. Hong Kong has demonstrated with tangible results that when the legislature breaks out of the vicious cycle of "opposition for opposition's sake," it can become a constructive force for social progress. This aligns with the white paper's emphasis that Hong Kong must "end the long-standing conflict between the legislature and the executive and resolve the internal strife within the Legislative Council," thereby allowing the focus to shift toward economic development and improving people's livelihoods.
The white paper also emphasizes that "a broadly based mechanism of public representation should be formed to advance balanced political participation." Under the new electoral system, the upcoming Legislative Council elections have showcased a vibrant competitive landscape, with contests in every geographical constituency and functional sector. For the 10 geographical constituencies, 51 nominations have been received, marking a 45% increase compared to 2021, with at least five candidates competing for two seats in each constituency. Among the 28 seats in the functional constituencies, 26 are witnessing fierce competition between two candidates for one seat. In the Election Committee, 50 candidates from various sectors are vying for 40 seats.
What is particularly heartening is the diversity of candidates' backgrounds. Social welfare professionals are focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, legal experts are contributing their insights into the rule of law, experienced community workers are dedicated to grassroots services, and leaders in technological innovation are offering advice on industrial transformation. This participatory landscape ensures that all sectors and strata of society receive appropriate representation in the governance system. It also means that policymaking in the near future is expected to benefit from more comprehensive perspectives, professional expertise, and voices closer to public opinion. When all sectors of society work together to contribute to Hong Kong's long-term development, perhaps this is the ideal model of quality democracy we aspire to see.
With the voting day on Dec. 7 fast approaching, all voters are encouraged to actively fulfill their civic responsibilities by casting their votes for Hong Kong's future. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, Hong Kong can stride further and more confidently along the right road of quality democracy, wearing its "right shoes."
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