Source: Democratic Party of Hong KongAddress:http://www.dphk.org/e_site/index_e.htmProvided by: HaydenWe want to choose our own destinyThe record turnout of 1.78 million in the Legislative Council election, the 62 per cent of ballots cast for the pro-democrats and the will to vote shown in the crowd's patience in waiting to have their say hammered home the message: we are determined to play an active role in politics, to choose our leaders and to shape Hong Kong's future.
The voters' rationality, maturity and determination to choose their own destiny shined through the ballot boxes, and the results speak for their democratic aspirations.
Despite winning 62 per cent of the votes cast, pro-democracy candidates won only 25 seats. The majority's wish for early democracy has been clearly expressed, but the support for the democrats did not translate into a majority in the chamber because of the tricky design of the proportional representation system. Instead, the unfair system enables the pro-government forces to continue to hold sway.
Together with the fact that only half of the seats are directly elected, the unfair and undemocratic election system distorted the voters' wishes. Far more important than the fact that the system has taken a toll on the pro-democratic camp is that voters feel disenfranchised. And an election system review is now imperative.
While the chaos and blunders at the polling stations had turned Hong Kong into an international laughing stock, the patience and persistence demonstrated by voters in waiting for hours to vote served as ironclad proof of the maturity of the Hong Kong people and their unwavering commitment to democracy. The Electoral Affairs Commission and the Constitutional Affairs Bureau still owe the public an explanation as to what happened, and the blunders should be fully investigated.
That some Liberal Party and pro-Beijing candidates gave up the functional constituencies contest and recognised that their future lies with direct elections is a welcome sign. That they passed with flying colours in the election will hopefully ease some of the central government's concerns about universal suffrage. Election results proved that the pro-democratic forces, the pro-business forces, and the pro-Beijing forces all enjoy support from voters, though to varying degrees.
Signs abound that Hong Kong voters are rational and mature, and there is a good chance that universal suffrage will bring about a balanced legislature with candidates from a wide political spectrum. Now that all parties, including voters, the pro-Beijing camp and even the pro-business sector are ready for democracy, Beijing should be given a shot in the arm in introducing direct elections.
A legislature returned by full direct elections, which truly reflects the choices of voters, will be a politically stabilising force. Bills and policies passed by legislators with the people's mandate will be widely, publicly supported and would confer the legitimacy badly needed by the administration.
The record turnout, the majority support for the pro-democrats and the resolve to vote despite all the chaos at the polling stations are proof of the people's determination to play an active part in politics. Hong Kong people surely deserve a political system which truly and fully reflects their wishes. This can only be achieved through universal suffrage.
Premier Wen Jiabao's call for more frequent dialogue between Beijing and various sectors of Hong Kong society, and the invitation of the democrats to visit Beijing during National Day ceremonies show that the central government is reaching out to the democratic camp of Hong Kong. But ice-breaking gestures alone are not enough to satisfy or console voters whose call for full democracy have been clearly expressed through the ballot box.
The ruling out of direct elections in 2007 and 2008 by the National People's Congress Standing Committee might have been a fait accompli not to be reversed easily, but the resounding call for democracy warrants a review of the ruling. It is high time to listen to the people and revisit the ruling.
YEUNG SUM
Chairman of the Democratic Party and a directly elected Legislative
Councillor (Hong Kong)
[South China Morning Post, Sep 30, 2004]
Commentary by
Hayden:
The reason why I chose this article is because it's effects are not limited only to Hong Kong, but all other territories/regions in China that are having diplomatic "disputes" over political affairs such as the status of Taiwan and Tibet. The voices from the Hong Kong Democratic party shows a rather negative view of the "One Country Two Systems" policy as although it promises Hong Kong people a high degeree of self rule over their territory. It also shows us the attitude of Beijing towards democracy. As a HongKonger myself, there is no doubt that HongKong and China, must eventually achieve democracy. But there is much left to iron out as there are many different points of view to how it should be carried out. This article only shows the view of an extremeist who demands a quick and efficient path to democracy, which is difficult to achieve. I tend to believe that all factions have to compromise and have more dialogue with Beijing to achieve a win-win situation. If they are able to pull this off, it will not only benefit Hong Kong but also improve the human rights record of CHina
Labels: articles, democracy, Hong Kong, Posts by Hayden
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