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The United States has denounced China for undermining democracy in Hong Kong with the new election law

The United States has denounced China for undermining democracy in Hong Kong with the new election law

Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Reuters)

Hong Kong’s parliament approved Thursday Legal amendments that will make it possible to implement a controversial electoral reform designed by Beijing This will significantly reduce options The pro-democracy opposition To seize power in the semi-autonomous city.

United States Secretary of State immediately, Anthony Blinken denounced it as an attempt by China to undermine democracy in the semi-autonomous region.

The Chinese government continues Undermining Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and denying Hong Kong residents the rights guaranteed by the People’s Republic of ChinaThe head of US diplomacy said in a statement.

Additionally, it was mentioned that The controversial electoral reform was approved Thursday by the Legislative Council (Hong Kong Parliament) that “severely” restricts political participation. Society and it will make it very difficult to hear their voices.

On Thursday, the Legislative Council (the Hong Kong Parliament, which has been unopposed since November due to the expulsion of 4 MPs and the resignation of 15 others) approved by 40 votes in favor, 2 against, and did not abstain from voting on the necessary amendments. Adapt controversial electoral reform to local legislationReported by Hong Kong Radio and Television RTHK.

These adjustments assume that The number of parliamentary seats will increase from 70 to 90, but only 20 of them will be eligible for direct suffrage (As against 40 stipulated in the previous regulations).

The Electoral Commission – the body responsible for appointing the CEO of Hong Kong by restricted ballot – will increase by 300 seats with a maximum of 1,500 members, and is responsible for selecting 40 members of the Legislative Council.

Xi Jinping votes on Hong Kong's electoral reform, which China agreed to in March (Reuters)
Xi Jinping votes on Hong Kong’s electoral reform, which China agreed to in March (Reuters)

Among the legal amendments there is also one that will punish him Up to three years in prison for public calls to boycott elections or vote blank or void.

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“Amending the electoral legislation will save us a Solid base As the next “elections” scheduled for December, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, has celebrated.

It is another step in Strengthening Beijing’s control of Hong Kong, Which was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 under the Sino-British Declaration of 1984, a document that nonetheless reflects Beijing’s commitment to Ensure the freedoms that exist at that time in the region until at least 2047.

In addition, in the twenty-first, the obligation to implement a Oath of allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to both elected officials and candidates who wish to participate in the elections as a means of ensuring their “patriotism”.

These latest legal changes come after The Hong Kong National Security Act that Beijing drafted and enforced last year, In the wake of Anti-government mobilization I took to the streets of the former British colony during the second half of 2019 and 2020.

This law provides penalties of up to Life imprisonment in cases of secession, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces.

In this context, Blinken requested this Thursday again for The release of persons who were arrested under this law.

(With information from EFE)

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