Vetting body should give those willing to serve city a chance

The government is gearing up for a series of elections, with a powerful body set up to disqualify those who do not bear allegiance to the city and uphold its Basic Law, or mini-constitution. The appointees are no doubt safe choices from Beijing’s perspective, but their task to screen out the “unpatriotic” is a high-stakes affair. While they are expected to toe the firm line on national security, their decisions will determine whether there is still room for opposition.

The line-up of the candidate eligibility review committee reflects the tight grip it will have over who can run in the Legislative Council, Election Committee and chief executive polls. It is chaired by Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu, and includes constitutional affairs minister Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung, former justice secretary Elsie Leung Oi-sie, ex-Legislative Council president Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai and former Chinese University vice-chancellor Lawrence Lau Juen-yee.

The vetting body will ensure holders of elected office do not pose a threat to national security, and its decisions will be based on the advice of the national security committee, with the support of evidence gathered by police. Forms have already been sent to ex officio members of the Election Committee asking whether they or their spouses hold foreign passports.

The setting up of the review committee is just one of many steps taken to ensure polls are conducted according to the framework imposed by the state legislature. Whether candidates will be disqualified remains to be seen and opposition members are yet to decide on whether to come forward. In the event of a ban for whatever reason, the committee should try its best to explain its decision. Transparency and accountability are essential.