Why has the Hong Kong Electoral System Not Brought about Political Efficiency?

This chapter attempts to examine how the electoral system affects the leadership and governance in Hong Kong, especially after the city’s reversion to China in 1997. The onset of the Occupy Central movement in late 2014, the Mongkok Riot (or the “Fishball Revolution”) in February 2016 and a series of attempted activities for the pro-independence movement led by the so-called localists have raised concerns on Hong Kong’s long-term stability and city competitiveness. After 1997, the salient distinction between Hong Kong and other modern cities in Asia is political stability. In particular, the limitations in electoral systems have diminished the political efficiency of both elected legislators and the Chief Executive in Hong Kong since the city returned to China’s sovereignty 20 years ago.