Revamp of 2016 Legco election deserves serious consideration
Unlike the election for chief executive in 2017, which has been earmarked for one person, one vote, the means of electing the Legislative Council is not up for major change until 2020.
Unlike the election for chief executive in 2017, which has been earmarked for one person, one vote, the means of electing the Legislative Council is not up for major change until 2020. That, however, does not preclude the government improving the way our lawmakers are chosen in the meantime. Redrawing the electoral boundaries for directly elected seats is one option.
Quoting unnamed sources, some local news organisations reported that the existing five geographical constituencies could be split into nine smaller ones, with each having three to five seats instead of the existing five to nine. Despite their smaller size, winning a seat could be more difficult, as the threshold under the current proportional representation system also becomes higher. The realignment, if approved by lawmakers, will be the first in 16 years.
The proposal is worth considering. Contestants have long complained that electioneering in big constituencies is difficult and costly. The constituencies tend to attract numerous tickets and candidates. The relatively low winning thresholds means some winners often pocketed just a few per cent of the votes cast. In 2012, the 18 seats in the two New Territories constituencies attracted a record 127 candidates on 35 tickets. It therefore makes sense to raise the threshold to ensure that winners have a stronger public mandate. Some observers also believe that bigger parties have an edge in smaller constituencies. The future legislature will therefore be less fragmented and better for governance.
Some politicians, including the radicals in the pan-democratic camp, are already up in arms, saying the change would put smaller players at a disadvantage. Their opposition is to be expected. If the 2012 election is any reference, the radical lawmakers were among the top winners. Whether they will necessarily lose out in smaller constituencies remains to be seen. If the mooted reform means some winners in the previous polls are in danger of losing, the establishment and the democratic camps are seemingly facing the same risk. There is no reason to assume that a smaller constituency will necessarily benefit or hurt any camp at this stage.
The changes to the Legco election in 2016 will be released for public consultation later this year. It is essential for politicians to weigh the pros and cons with an open mind. As long as there is a level playing field for all, the changes are worth considering.
