Hong Kong Passes Xi Plan to End Only Open Elections in China
- Legislation creates committee to vet candidates for office
- Massive vigil banned in twin blow to pro-democracy opposition
Chinese and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags are raised outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong in March.
Photographer: Paul Yeung/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Hong Kong’s legislature approved a sweeping, Beijing-drafted overhaul of the city’s elections, dramatically curtailing the opposition’s ability to participate in government on the same day that authorities banned a massive pro-democracy vigil.
The Legislative Council voted 40-2 to approve measures Thursday creating a review committee to vet candidates for elected office and ensure they’re “patriots.” All candidates must also be approved by national security officials in the Hong Kong police force to determine whether they can be trusted to uphold local laws and “respect” the ruling Communist Party.