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Ma Ngok

The China Factor in Hong Kong Elections: 1991 to 2016

ABSTRACT: The China factor has always been a significant structural, ideological, and organisational factor in Hong Kong elections. Since 2003, the deepening of intervention by Beijing and its Liaison Office in Hong Kong meant that the China factor as an organisational force became increasingly salient in elections. It also drove more people, especially young people, to resist China’s control and take the road of supporting independence or self-determination. The 2016 elections showed more ostensible intervention by the Liaison Office, and independence became a new campaign issue. The China factor will continue to be an integral part of Hong Kong elections in years to come. KEYWORDS: The China factor, Hong Kong independence, Hong Kong politics, Umbrella Movement, Hong Kong identity, Legislative Council elections, Liaison Office.

La démocratie dans l'impasse à Hong Kong. Les élections législatives de septembre 2004

Les démocrates de Hong Kong n'ont pas réussi à prendre une avance significative aux élections législatives de septembre 2004, et leurs modestes gains ne leur ont pas permis d'obtenir la majorité parlementaire qu'ils avaient espérée. Leur position actuelle leur permet difficilement de réclamer une accélération du processus démocratique. En effet, leur pouvoir de négociation vis-à-vis du gouvernement central est réduit, ce qui peut inciter ce dernier à reporter encore plus loin dans le temps la réforme politique dans le territoire. Toutefois, les résultats du scrutin n'ont en rien apaisé la crise de gouvernance qui frappe le gouvernement de Hong Kong puisqu'une assemblée davantage pluralisée créera inévitablement de nouvelles difficultés pour celui-ci.

Democracy at a Stalemate. The September 2004 Legco Elections in Hong Kong

The Democrats in Hong Kong failed to gain significant ground in the September 2004 Legislative Council Elections, making only modest gains and falling far short of the legislative majority they had hoped for. This result made it difficult for the Democrats to claim a strong mandate for more progressive democratisation, weakening their bargaining power vis-à-vis Peking, which may in its turn induce Peking to further delay political reform in Hong Kong. The election results, however, did little to alleviate the governing crisis of the Hong Kong government, and a more pluralised post-election legislature created new headaches for the government.