HONG KONG — The newly elected legislative body in Hong Kong is set to begin work with a striking number of members holding simultaneous positions within China’s national political structure, signaling a deepening integration under the “patriots governing Hong Kong” principle. The election concluded with 90 individuals securing seats, including a record high 27 members who also serve as either a deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC) or a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
This cohort of national representatives comprises nearly one-third of the legislature, surpassing the previous record of 24 concurrent members in the previous term. Of particular note, 14 of Hong Kong’s 36 NPC deputies—39% of the entire local group—now hold seats in the city’s legislature, underscoring Beijing’s increased influence on local governance.
The new Legislative Council (LegCo) features a mix of veteran and fresh faces. Fifty members are returning incumbents, while 40 are newly elected. Among the most enduring lawmakers are heavyweights such as Chan Hak-kan, Chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), Gary Chan, and Priscilla Leung of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, all of whom have served continuously since 2008.
A Look at the Incoming Members
The 90 lawmakers were elected across three electoral streams: geographical constituencies, functional constituencies, and the Election Committee.
The geographical constituency polls saw 12 incumbents re-elected alongside eight newcomers, including veteran politicians like Aron Kwok of the Federation of Trade Unions. The 30 seats in functional constituencies welcomed 16 new members, contrasting with 14 returning officials. Notably, fencing champion Vivian Kong, nicknamed the “Sword Queen,” transitioned into politics in the tourism functional constituency.
The 40 members elected by the Election Committee included 24 incumbents and 16 newly elected figures.
The significant presence of NPC deputies and CPPCC members highlights a pivot toward national allegiance within the LegCo under the electoral reforms prioritized by Beijing. Prominent examples of dual-hatted members include DAB’s Gary Chan, NPC Standing Committee member and DAB Chairman Starry Lee, and CPPCC members like Jeffrey Lam and Lau Ip-keung.
Political Implications and Future Steps
The election results solidify the legislative chamber’s direction, emphasizing loyalty to the central government and alignment with the “patriots governing Hong Kong” policy framework. The concentration of seniority and national ties within the council suggests a streamlined process for implementing policies favored by Beijing and prioritizing stability over contentious political debate.
As the new term begins, the 90 lawmakers face the immediate task of addressing pressing local issues while navigating a political environment that increasingly demands consensus with the mainland’s political agenda. The dominance of national representatives in LegCo is expected to accelerate legislative alignment with national security requirements and economic integration initiatives championed by central authorities. The public will be closely monitoring how this highly centralized legislature addresses complex socio-economic challenges, including housing and livelihood issues, under its new mandate.
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