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Opinion | People’s disconnection from Legco election could spell trouble for Beijing, Hong Kong officials
- Record low levels of voter enthusiasm should worry the Hong Kong and central governments, even if they won’t be fretting over the election results
- The impression that it is a game for a small circle of elites is being cemented every day with the absence of public engagement
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Why you can trust SCMP
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A recent survey found that 60 per cent of respondents were unaware of who was running for a directly elected seat in their constituency in the upcoming Legislative Council election.
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The survey also revealed a record low level of voter enthusiasm – something the Hong Kong government and Beijing’s liaison office should take to heart. Officials need to prepare themselves for a low voter turnout at the polls, scheduled for December 19.
It makes sense. When some are barred from taking part, or when even the traditional pro-democracy groups all decide to sit out the contest, it is a disincentive to vote. Without someone to support, there is little reason to cast a ballot, regardless of whether the seats are contested.
So the survey results on voter enthusiasm, showing that only 52 per cent indicated they would “definitely” or “probably” vote next month – down from more than 80 per cent of voters who said the same prior to the previous four elections – sounds about right.
There is very little guesswork here; we also have the benefit of having Macau’s election experience two months ago as a guide.
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Following the disqualification of 21 opposition figures from running in Macau’s Legislative Assembly election in September, the exemplar of “one country, two systems” saw a record low voter turnout at the polls. Only 42.38 per cent of voters cast their ballot in the patriots-only race, a drop from 57.22 per cent in the 2017 election.
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How does Hong Kong select its government?
How does Hong Kong select its government?
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