Hong Kong's revamped electoral system bolsters pro-Beijing influence in key decision-making bodies

China has restructured Hong Kong's electoral system to give loyalist parties a greater majority in two key decision-making bodies: the Election Committee and the Legislative Council. The Election Committee responsible for picking Hong Kong's leader has been granted new powers to send 40 representatives to the city's Legislative Council, which has been expanded from 70 to 90 seats. A committee will also be formed to determine candidates' eligibility to run in local elections, using information provided by the police's national security unit, with no judicial review or appeal of the decision allowed. Opposition activists say the changes will quash dissent and snuff out democracy in the former British colony. But the government says the moves are vital for Hong Kong's long-term stability.