Editor’s note: The 2021 Legislative Council election is the first under Hong Kong’s revamped electoral system. Barrister Kacee Ting Wong, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, shared his observations on the polling day and his expectations of the newly elected LegCo with China Daily. Here’s what he said.
1. What do you think of the arrangements at polling stations this year? Could you share your observations or an anecdote of people, including yourself, who went to polling stations and cast ballots?
The arrangements at polling stations this year have seen a lot of improvement. For example, the government has set a special queue for elderly people. I saw that some elderly voters – the early birds – only spent five to 10 minutes casting their ballots. This is humane.
Besides, I can see some police officers patrolling the polling station area. This is a proactive measure to enhance security at the polling station, and the presence of police officers gives voters a strong sense of security. This is a major improvement in comparison with the situation during the 2019 District Council Election when the city was rocked by social unrest.
2. Which constituency did you vote for? Which policy initiatives from the candidates impressed you the most?
I have two votes, one for Sai Wan Ho, a district of the Hong Kong Island East geographical constituency, and one for the legal sector functional constituency.
When I cast my ballots, I chose those candidates who will bring new inspiration to LegCo with their remarkable experience or record in terms of social services and political involvement.
3. The expanded legislature includes new sectors and new constituencies, such as representatives from the grassroots and national level associations, as well as the Election Committee constituency. How will these changes in the legislature benefit Hong Kong, its governance, and the people?
One of the major characteristics of the new LegCo is the diversity of representation, which the winners of the election will manifest. The 90 lawmakers-elect will present a vast spectrum of Hong Kong society, including grassroots groups, as well as the business sector and property developers.
With the new LegCo, the broad representation, the city’s policy-making process will be improved. It will be more social-need oriented, rather than politically driven.
4. This is the first LegCo election under the city’s revamped electoral system. What’s your take on the significance of this election?
The electoral reform will bring political improvement to Hong Kong’s LegCo. The new composition of LegCo will ensure that the legislature functions in a totally different way to the old system.
I believe that the improvement will have a far-reaching impact on Hong Kong’s political development in a positive way.
5. What are your expectations for those who win the race, for the next-term LegCo, and for Hong Kong as a whole?
I have high expectations for the new term of LegCo.
It was everyone’s unhappy recollection that in 2019 when Hong Kong suffered city-wide violence and vandalism. With this newly elected LegCo, people expect it to bring new hope to the city. I do hope that lawmakers will put Hong Kong people’s interest first, especially the concerns of grassroots and underprivileged people. I believe they also have high expectations of the newly elected lawmakers.