The elusive aim of universal suffrage: Constitutional developments in Hong Kong

Author: Langer, Lorenz

Source: International Journal of Constitutional Law, Volume 5, Number 3, 22 July 2007 , pp. 419-452(34)

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Abstract:

For most of its one hundred and fifty years, British rule over Hong Kong did not allow for any political participation by the local population. Prior to the territory's return to China, however, the United Kingdom and the prospective new sovereign agreed that both the legislature and executive of the future Hong Kong would be determined by elections. China further specified that, as an ultimate aim, these elections would be based on universal suffrage. Yet in the years since, China has intervened in the supposedly autonomous region to slow down or halt constitutional development. While these interventions contravene the constitutional provisions of the Special Administrative Region, they should not come as a surprise; nor do they represent a change in Chinese attitudes toward Hong Kong. Rather, they reflect the Chinese government's misgivings about free electionsmisgivings not unlike those of the British with respect to colonial Hong Kong.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icon/mom018

Publication date: 2007-07-22

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Published in association with the New York University School of Law, I"CON is dedicated to international and comparative constitutional law. I"CON has international editorial and advisory boards and an international focus. It examines an array of theoretical and practical issues and offers critical analysis of current issues and debates. In addition, I"CON looks at global trends that carry constitutional implications. It features scholarly articles by international legal scholars, judges, and people from related fields, such as economics, philosophy, and political science.