Story perspectives

Political Repression Erodes Democracy in Hong Kong's LegCo

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) has lost meaningful opposition amid political repression and governance changes.
The 'one country, two systems' framework, established during the 1997 handover, has seen a gradual erosion of freedoms.
In 2021, candidates were limited to government-approved 'patriots,' leaving only 20 of 90 seats directly elected by residents.
The 2020 National Security Law further restricted dissent and led to disbanded democratic parties and record-low turnout.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) has lost meaningful opposition amid political repression and governance changes.
The 'one country, two systems' framework, established during the 1997 handover, has seen a gradual erosion of freedoms.
In 2021, candidates were limited to government-approved 'patriots,' leaving only 20 of 90 seats directly elected by residents.
The 2020 National Security Law further restricted dissent and led to disbanded democratic parties and record-low turnout.