#1
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Given the recent fuss made by journos regarding Hong Kong elections, it seems a shame not to start a discussion on the 'zone. While the next election for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is not until 2017, it's never too late to think about how offices should be filled and how democratic processes may be modernized and improved.

The Basic Law of Hong Kong creates the political structure of Hong Kong, and at the head of that structure is the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Early this month, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress rendered a decision regarding (in part) how the 2017 election of the Chief Executive should be conducted. The decision was made after receiving an extensive report from the local Hong Kong government, and the full text is available in multiple languages (http://www.ecns.cn/2014/09-01/132403.shtml ). The following steps, however, have been focused on in the public arena:

- A broadly representative nominating committee will be formed.

- The nominating committee will select two to three candidates for Chief Executive.

- Voters in Hong Kong will participate in an election.

- The Chief Executive-elect will be appointed to the position by the Central People's Government.

This electoral process seems well-crafted to respect the national vision of the country, while still allowing input from the local Hong Kong community. The candidates would be acceptable on a national level, and then the best local fit would be chosen. It also ensures that there are high standards, as questionable candidates cannot simply put themselves in the race; rather, they will have to be approved by people of quality.

What do you feel that your own government could learn from these reforms? Are local elections in your jurisdiction parochial, or do they produce candidates that are acceptable at both a local and national level? How do you see these modernizing reforms influencing the development of other countries?
#2
Kurdt
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ponderous man, fuckin ponderous
#3
UNUSUALY COOL
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haha whoa someone was talking about hong kong in the news? i missed that. good catch.
#4
UNUSUALY COOL
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jools, please merge the faily planet macau magauthread into this one. i have had about enough of those idiots.
#5
Mike Nelson here.
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Thanks for this thread, Lykourgos. You raise some interesting questions, and avoid some of the scandalizing that the bourgeois media have spread about this important question. I will meditate on some of the fundamental principles involved.
#6
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No worries Getfiscal, I'm trying to write something vaguely presentable at least once a month now. The due date was rolling in and I was getting a tad annoyed at all the journos moaning about elections in China. I am not in any way an expert on Hong Kong law or history, so I didn't want to weigh in heavily on one side or another, but I don't share the hatred of the PRC that the media seems to have, and I like the idea of crafting an electoral process that respects the national vision while allowing a candidate that still has local backing.
#7
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i'm just glad that here in america we have democracy instead of our candidates for office being selected by some out of touch elites