How the election unfolds may have big consequences the future of Hong Kong, which has become a key friction point between China, the US and the UK. The process is unfolding against the backdrop of a US presidential campaign in which President Donald Trump has sought to run against China, announcing last month that he would"begin the process" of revoking special trade privileges granted to the Asian financial centre because of its political autonomy.
While details of the measures have yet to be made public, a similar proposal withdrawn after street protests 17 years ago would allow for sentences up to life in prison for offenders convicted of crimes such as sedition and subversion. The legislation could be finalised as soon as this week's meeting of the NPC's Standing Committee, although the item isn't currently on the public agenda.
The Hong Kong Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said in a statement Saturday that the government would uphold residents' right to seek elected office, while noting that candidates must sign a declaration to uphold the law. The local Electoral Affairs Commission said separately that decisions regarding the eligibility of candidates would be made solely by returning officers.
On Friday, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing accused several activists of acting as"black hands" to corrupt local schools. All but one of the people named by HKMAO were included on the playing cards, including Mr Yeung, Mr Wong and legal scholar Benny Tai , although it's unclear who's responsible for the campaign.
The problem is, any government decision to bar candidates won't come until after they officially register as candidates between July 18 and July 31. The government has blocked nine candidates from running over their support for independence and self-determination since first taking the then-unprecedented step four years ago of banning politicians because of their political views.
In 2016, the opposition won 29 seats, including 19 from geographic constituencies and 10 from"functional consistencies" representing the business community and other interest groups. That success was soon diluted after Beijing intervened to require the ousting of lawmakers who support independence. Six opposition lawmakers were expelled, largely for delivering their oaths improperly.
Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)
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