IntroductionSince they emerged in the 1980s, Hong Kong political parties have struggled todevelop and establish themselves. They were discouraged by the British for most ofthe period when they ran Hong Kong. To this day, political parties confront a rangeof obstacles to healthy growth, including the denial of any governmental role toparties based on electoral popularity, limited public support, the limited law-makingrole allowed Legco, the negative impact of the functional constituency system, a selfchosenpreference for politics based primarily on opposition rather than policydevelopment and the watchful anxiety (especially in relation to pro-democracy parties)of Beijing.Limitations within the electoral-political-infrastructure (EPI) comprise one furtherinhibiting factor. EPI reform is really a “stand-alone” issue, however. That is, it canbe looked at separately from the inhibiting factors noted above. It can also beconsidered outside of the rather highly-charged debate about the pace ofdemocratization in the HKSAR. Hong Kong needs mature, stable, policy-focussedpolitical parties. EPI reform can help lay better foundations for the long-termdevelopment of all parties in Hong Kong.My view, based on a recent research report completed for Civic Exchange (PoliticalParty Development in Hong Kong (PPDEVHK Report))2 is that a new Political PartyOrdinance is not needed in Hong Kong to effect EPI reform. I believe we alreadyhave a basically sound – though incomplete – EPI governing the conduct of elections(and, indirectly, the operation of political parties) in the HKSAR. The way forward isto build on these essentially positive foundations using a series of legislative andrelated initiatives.The PPDEVHK Report – which forms the basis for this submission – includes adetailed, comparative review of the Australian experience with regulating electionsand political parties. The basic regulatory system in Australia is now over 100 yearsold. It has been steadily improved over time and, unlike in the US, for example, it iswidely regarded by participants from all sides of politics as working well. This makesit, comparatively, one of the most durable and successful, electoral-regulatorysystems in the world.
Download PDF : PPREGN-HKSAR-LEGCOSUB-CIVEX-22005-20102011