HONG KONG — Voters in Hong Kong are slated to cast ballots on December 7 for the Legislative Council (LegCo), in an election framed by the government as a crucial step toward solidifying the city’s path of “from governance to prosperity.” This poll is touted by officials as vital for accelerating economic development and addressing pressing quality-of-life issues affecting every resident in the special administrative region.
The current LegCo, the first convened since a sweeping overhaul of the electoral system, is highlighted by authorities for having successfully overcome what they describe as “internal friction” to restore a “rational and pragmatic trajectory.” Proponents of the newly constituted council point to a significant increase in legislative output compared to previous sessions, underscoring its productivity.
Record Legislative Agenda Focuses on Public Welfare
The Legislative Council holds significant powers, including drafting and amending laws, approving the financial budget, and authorizing taxation and public expenditure. Over the current term, the body has passed some 130 bills—a figure officials claim is more than 60 percent higher than the corresponding period in the last session. Furthermore, LegCo has approved over 260 development and livelihood-related projects spanning critical sectors such as housing, land, transportation, healthcare, education, and the economy, totaling nearly RMB 700 billion (approximately $98.5 billion USD).
A key achievement frequently cited is the successful implementation of the “Three Tunnels Diversion” scheme, providing a long-sought solution to perennial cross-harbor congestion. This measure, which introduced variable tolling and reduced off-peak rates—sometimes as low as RMB 20—has benefited both drivers and commuters by regulating traffic flow and offering financial incentives. Officials credit extensive discussions among government figures, legislators, and various stakeholders for the breakthrough.
Modernizing Transit and Tackling Housing Crisis
Another significant piece of traffic-related legislation was the passage of the Online Ride-Hailing Service Ordinance, finally addressing a decade-long regulatory void in the sector. This framework aims to provide safer, legal transportation alternatives for citizens while modernizing the point-to-point industry. Crucially, the government adopted constructive suggestions from legislators and the industry, such as relaxing the maximum vehicle age for qualified ride-hailing cars to 12 years, increasing market choice and improving passenger availability.
Housing remains a central governmental priority. The current administration has focused heavily on socioeconomic needs, including establishing regulations for “substandard accommodation” and phasing out inferior subdivided units, commonly known as ‘cage homes.’ The goal is to ensure all citizens, particularly those in the lowest income brackets, can live with dignity in safe, sanitary, and acceptable conditions.
Diverse Candidates Compete for Seats
The upcoming election features 161 candidates vying for seats, drawn from a wide range of professions and social strata. The field includes individuals focused predominantly on livelihood issues, candidates advocating for fiscal prudence and strategic spending, and others concerned with public finance reform.
The December 7 poll marks an important moment in the city’s political calendar, providing citizens with the opportunity to directly elect representatives who will shape the legislative landscape. Officials continue to urge broad participation, emphasizing the importance of every vote in selecting the members who will ultimately determine policy and resource allocation for the next term.
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