Podcasts about legco

The election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday marks another important moment in the SAR's steady advance toward high-quality democracy under the guiding principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".香港特别行政区第八届立法会选举于周日举行，标志着香港在”爱国者治港”的指导原则下，朝着高质量民主稳步前进的又一重要时刻。This is the second LegCo election since the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress amended Hong Kong's electoral system in March 2021 to ensure the full and faithful implementation of the principle of Hong Kong should be governed by Hong Kong people, with patriots as the main body.这是自2021年3月全国人民代表大会常务委员会修订香港选举制度以来举行的第二次立法会选举，旨在确保全面准确贯彻”港人治港、爱国者担任主体”的原则。The improved electoral system has enabled the formation of a legislature that is broadly representative, politically inclusive and balanced in participation—characteristics that align with Hong Kong's actual circumstances and governance needs. The current LegCo consists of 90 seats, with 40 returned by the Election Committee constituency, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections. This structure, which has functioned smoothly since the reform was implemented, enhances both representation and efficiency, reflecting the interests of all segments of Hong Kong society and the SAR as a whole.经改进的选举制度使立法机构能够广泛代表社会各界，在政治上具有包容性，并在参与方面保持平衡——这些特点符合香港的实际情况和治理需求。现行立法会由90个席位组成，其中40席由选举委员会界别选举产生，30席由功能界别选举产生，20席由地方选区通过直接选举产生。自改革实施以来，这一架构运行顺畅，既增强了代表性又提高了效率，充分反映了香港社会各阶层及整个特别行政区的利益。This year's LegCo election is competitive. A total of 161 candidates—including senior academics, Olympic champions, managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, cultural workers, community organizers and rising professionals from innovation and technology sectors—are vying for the 90 seats. According to the Electoral Affairs Commission of Hong Kong, 51 nominations were received for geographical constituencies, 60 for functional constituencies, and 50 for the Election Committee constituency. That means competition is particularly strong in geographical constituencies, where 51 candidates are contesting 20 seats, ensuring that no one can "win easily" and that the LegCo election returns to its essence: selecting the virtuous and capable based on political platform, professionalism and service commitment.今年的立法会选举竞争激烈。共有161名候选人，包括资深学者、奥运冠军、中小企业管理者、文化工作者、社区组织者以及创新科技领域的新锐专业人士等，角逐90个席位。据香港选举事务委员会统计，地方选区收到51份提名，功能界别60份，选举委员会界别50份。这意味着地方选区的竞争尤为激烈，51名候选人角逐20个席位，使得无人能“轻松获胜”，使立法会选举回归本质：依据政治纲领、专业素养及服务承诺选拔贤能之士。More than 600 polling stations, including newly added ones at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint and Hong Kong International Airport, have made voting more convenient, further highlighting the people-oriented and pragmatic nature of Hong Kong's electoral arrangements.超过600个投票站，包括港珠澳大桥口岸和香港国际机场新增的投票站，使投票更加便捷，进一步彰显了香港选举安排以民为本、务实高效的特点。The broad diversity of candidates and political platforms—ranging from innovation and technology, finance, medical services and housing, to youth development, labor rights, district administration and integration into national strategies—demonstrates that the new electoral system not only upholds the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" but also provides a wider stage for patriots of different backgrounds to contribute fresh ideas and practical solutions. As LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen noted, the candidates' varied expertise will inject new dynamism into the legislature and bring a renewed vitality to policymaking.候选人和政治纲领的广泛多样性，从创新科技、金融、医疗服务和住房，到青年发展、劳工权益、地区行政和融入国家战略都表明新选举制度不仅坚持了“爱国者治港”的原则，也为不同背景的爱国人士提供了更广阔的舞台，让他们贡献新思路和切实可行的解决方案。正如立法会主席梁君彦所言，候选人多元化的专业背景将为立法机构注入新活力，为政策制定带来新气象。The election carries special significance in light of the recent deadly fire in Tai Po. Voters in the district, including those directly affected, said that participating in the election is an active commitment to rebuilding their homes and strengthening Hong Kong's resilience.鉴于近期大埔发生的致命火灾，此次选举具有特殊意义。该区选民，包括直接受灾者，表示参与选举是重建家园、增强香港韧性的积极承诺。Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for the Hong Kong SAR government, stressed that electing capable and aspirational LegCo members is essential for post-disaster reconstruction and to maintaining the continuity and effectiveness of governance. From Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's repeated calls for civil servants to set an example, to large enterprises granting time off for employees to vote, and patriotic groups on the mainland organizing members to return to Hong Kong to cast their ballots, society's strong support has created an enthusiastic election atmosphere.香港特别行政区政府政务司司长陈国基强调，选举出有能力、有抱负的立法会议员，对灾后重建以及维持管治的连续性和有效性至关重要。从行政长官李家超多次呼吁公务员带头示范，到大型企业为员工安排投票假期，再到内地爱国团体组织成员返港投票，社会各界的鼎力支持营造出热烈的选举氛围。The four-year term of the eighth Legislative Council will largely overlap with the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) of the country. As Hong Kong enters a new stage of transitioning from stability to prosperity, the new LegCo will shoulder heavy responsibilities: accelerating economic transformation, improving people's livelihoods, strengthening district governance, advancing integration into national development, and ensuring that "one country, two systems" is steadily practiced for the long term.第八届立法会的四年任期将与国家第十五个五年规划（2026-2030年）的实施期基本重合。随着香港进入从稳定走向繁荣的新阶段，新一届立法会肩负着重大责任：加速经济转型、改善民生、加强地区治理、推进融入国家发展，并确保“一国两制”长期稳定实施。The design and improvement of Hong Kong's electoral system are purely internal affairs of China, and no foreign country has the right to interfere in them. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR summoned representatives of some overseas media in Hong Kong regarding recent false information and malicious smear campaigns surrounding the Tai Po fire and the LegCo election. This is a timely reminder that some external parties are still looking for opportunities to make trouble in the SAR despite the implementation of the National Security Law of Hong Kong.香港选举制度的设计和完善纯属中国内政，任何外国都无权干涉。中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区维护国家安全办公室就近期围绕大埔火灾及立法会选举的虚假信息和恶意抹黑活动，约见部分驻港海外媒体代表。这及时提醒我们，尽管香港《国家安全法》已实施，某些外部势力仍在寻找机会在特区制造事端。A fair, honest, safe and orderly election environment is indispensable for safeguarding the dignity of the electoral system and the rights of all voters. The SAR government has made it clear that it will resolutely crack down on illegal acts aimed at disrupting the election.一个公平、公正、安全、有序的选举环境，对维护选举制度的尊严和全体选民的权利至关重要。特区政府已明确表示，将坚决打击旨在破坏选举的违法行为。

They include 40 chosen by the Election Committee, 30 elected by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections.

Voting is underway for the election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. There are 161 nominees vying for 90 seats in the council.

You may have noticed that local authorities have been sharpening their pitchforks and gathering fiery brands as they attempt to oppose a new piece of law which would give government power to impose functions and standards on them. Government's position appears to be that local Commissioners and Councillors shouldn't be able to shirk their statutory responsibilities and Legislative Council has been drafted in to try to broker the peace. Also, a Tynwald committee is gently nudging government to properly register all the land it owns. Does government know what it owns? Pitchforks at dawn on a misty field that may or may not belong to government. A Perspective not to be missed.

The Area Plan for the North and West would have completed the planning picture for the Island but it was defeated in and extraordinary vote in Tynwald with both Keys and LegCo tied - 12 - 12 and 4 - 4 which meant the President of Tynwald had to use his casting vote which by convention means voting against change? So what happened in Tynwald and why did Tynwald vote to defeat this plan which was the result of around five years hard work by officers. On Agenda we hear some of the highlights of this unprecedented debate. Was there some filibustering going on? Was government complacent? Were the Tynwald members who voted against right to demand facts and detail to back up the shaky housing figures?

The Bishop's vote moved a step closer to extinction last Tuesday when the Bill which seeks to abolish it finished its passage through the Legislative Council. The Bill had been paused for some time while a LegCo committee considered the impact of this measure but despite setting out clearly that the loss of the Bishop's vote would most likely result in the loss of a Bishop of Sodor and Mann LegCo supported Key's resolve to remove what many see as an undemocratic vote. Two of the more prominent speakers in the debate Gary Clueit and Paul Craine explain the process and the two sides of the debate on Agenda. With the Bishop's vote all but gone will Keys shift their attention to the undemocratic Legislative Council next?

The situation at Ronaldsway Airport and Air Traffic Control, NHS dentist provision latest, LegCo voting implications, Steam Packet 'Sail & Rail' clarification, Assisted Dying Bill Royal Assent & 'Douglas In Gloom'. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Friday 7th November 2025

On first glance June Tynwald's Order Paper looked to offer little opportunity for political excitement. As it turned out there was plenty to exercise our MHKs, increasingly mindful of the 2026 general election. There were questions about the quality of child care and protection, was political messaging around the TT adequate, should we consider whether things are ethically okay and not just legally sound, securing funding for the family library was discussed as was the law governing employment of children. All this will be summarised in this week's Perspective. And why does LegCo keep giving the Education Minister a hard time - perhaps cake would win them over?

In last week's sitting of the House of Keys Lawrie Hooper asked the Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston “Whether the Minimum Wage will be increased to £13.05 by 1st October 2025 to reach equivalence with the minimum salary threshold for Worker Migrant visas at that date? In an interesting exchange it emerged that government's position appears to be that it didn't want migrant workers to undercut Manx workers in the job's market. Of course that then means that the minimum wage for immigrant workers is higher than that for Manx workers. We'll also hear from Dawn Kinnish MLC who's taking her first Bill through LegCo which has just the faintest hint of poacher turned game keeper.

It's been a few weeks now since we talked about LegCo but Onchan MHK Julie Edge has prompted Agenda back to the topic as she has a motion in Tynwald calling for the role of Members of the Legislative Council and the method of their election to be reformed. So what is this all about and what's provoked Ms Edge to seek such reforms? Has Julie Edge been playing politics with her questions on cancer care and is she right to suggest UK government health reforms should see an end to Manx Care being independent from the Health Department?

On Perspective this week we've got another LegCo special …. don't worry …. just kidding! We're actually hearing from the DEFA Minister about the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill 2024 which among other things expands the definition of “development”, introduces a system of prior approvals and provides for the imposition of charges. We'll also hear about new protections for Manx bees and honey as well as Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood's Safe Spaces Bill.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On a LegCo Perspective special this Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne we hear from retired engineer Andrew Jones and social worker Kirstie Morphet. That's a double dose MLC Perspective special. So we've heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?

Tomorrow the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On Agenda and Perspective we've spoken to 14 of the candidates with the 15th being unavailable for interview. This evening we hear from our final candidate, civil servant, Claire Newall who while new to politics has a good understanding of how the system works. Tomorrow the House of Keys has a big job to do in sifting through the excellent field of candidates. Will they go for comfortable fits or rough diamonds?

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. We hear from retired engineer Andrew Jones. So we've heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. We hear from social worker Kirstie Morphet. So we've heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On Agenda this evening we hear from businessman Barry Duncan. There are some very interesting people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On part 2 of our LegCo special we hear from businessman Mark Cleator. Some very people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On a LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough and Ron Berry. That's a double dose MLC Agenda special. I hope you're enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I'm enjoying interviewing them. If not, don't worry … only another week to go.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Ron Berry I hope you're enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I'm enjoying interviewing them.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough I hope you're enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I'm enjoying interviewing them.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Gary Clueit who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it's well worth a listen to tonight's Agenda.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Peter Reid who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it's well worth a listen to tonight's Agenda.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from MLC Rob Mercer who is hoping to get elected to LegCo for a second term. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it's well worth a listen to tonight's Agenda.

In this episode we hear the latest from the ongoing death by dangerous driving trial. We also find out the names of the 16 people hoping to get a seat on Legco - and should all taxis on the Island be electric?

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from former Garff MHK Martyn Perkins who is hoping to get elected to LegCo. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it's well worth a listen to tonight's show.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from dyslexia campaigner Julia Bell who is hoping to grab one of the LegCo seats. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it's well worth a listen to tonight's Agenda.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council, one of which will replace Peter Greenhill MLC, who has decided to step down at the end of February when his 5 year term ends. He tells Agenda about his experiences over the past five years and gives some advice to prospective LegCo candidates. If you are hoping to be nominated for one of the LegCo seats please get in touch so we can arrange an interview. Candidate or not though, it's interesting to hear Peter Greenhill's thoughts on the role he's about to leave.

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from Kerry Sharpe MLC, who is hoping to retain her LegCo seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our island is run so it's important to know who they are!

On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from the longest serving Tynwald Member, Bill Henderson MLC, who is hoping to retain his seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our Island is run so it's important to know who they are!

Agenda 6.1.25 In the final November sitting of Legislative Council members held their second Evidence Stage on the Assisted Dying Bill and MLCs heard from two expert witnesses Bridget Carter and Dr Claud Regnard as well as the Bill's promoter Alex Allinson. Ms Carter works to prevent coercive behaviour towards vulnerable elderly people and Dr Regnard is a life long Palliative Care expert. As the Assisted Dying Bill approaches the end of its consideration by LegCo, Agenda extracts some of the highlights from the evidence session including the advice given by the Attorney General on the Bill.

The Assisted Dying Bill 2023 is being progressed now through the Legislative Council and at the Principles Stage of the Bill there was a successful call for further evidence to be taken. The vote in LegCo was seven in favour of the Bill with just one against. We've heard a lot over the past year or so about the case in favour and against the principle of introducing legislation to allow people to end their life so on Perspective this week we're considering what the legislation now looks like, why new evidence is needed to be considered what concerns remain.

We've had some high octane politics over the past few weeks so Agenda takes a look at some of the less headline grabbing, calmer issues going through Keys and LegCo. Bill Henderson tells us about the Public Sector Payments Bill which “tidies up” some outdates legislation particularly relating to members expenses and Alex Allinson reveals what's behind the Treasury (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. From the relatively obscure clause amending the 1928 Allotments Act to making it easier to increase fees its all considered on Agenda. And is the Treasury Minister really trying to pinch our pennies?

Empty properties strategy, meat plant latest, LegCo on Bishop's vote, unions say 2% 'unacceptable', Eddie Lowey's funeral & Dave Molyneux's retirement. It's Update with Andy Wint #iom #news #manxradio

Political think tank - Reayrtys - and Prof Peter Edge from Oxford Brookes University want to talk about reform of Legislative Council. Perspective this week asks them why? How does tinkering with our parliamentary structures help address the housing crisis, cost of living crisis and the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector. Seasoned political commentator Alastair Ramsay has seen it all before and publicly active LegCo member Tanya August-Hanson just wants to get on with the job. More political navel gazing or an essential reform to make politics work better for the people?

In Tynwald last week Onchan MHK Rob Callister asked his colleagues to reaffirm a 2017 Tynwald decision relating to the role LegCo members should fulfil and in particular that they should not be a member of more than one government department. The government website tells us that one MLC is a member of two departments and since last month's reshuffle there may be two, but does any of this really matter? As is often the case there were mixed views in Tynwald and we hear some of them on Agenda. Should MLCs make decisions on government policy bearing in mind their at best tenuous mandate from the people?

Government accepts Covid report, no Roundhouse inquiry, LegCo 'blurred lines', Steam Packet's business plan, gaol for faeces smeared on window & Jurby racing excitement. It's Update with Andy Wint #iom #news #manxradio

 Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then explains how Hong Kong Disneyland's version of Sleeping Beauty Castle was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many ECVs can the new bus that's joining the WDW transportation fleet carry at one time Why – when you're given the opportunity by the Disney Cruise Line – you should always take the GYT How close does the Ultidor system at the Magic Kingdom get to that theme park's Tomorrowland Speedway What was the difference between the construction materials that were used to build Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim back in 1955 versus the materials that were used to build a second version of this iconic structure at Hong Kong Disneyland  Why did LegCo turn down the opportunity to have a “Star Tours” attraction added to Hong Kong Disneyland in the 2010s Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then explains how Hong Kong Disneyland's version of Sleeping Beauty Castle was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many ECVs can the new bus that's joining the WDW transportation fleet carry at one time Why – when you're given the opportunity by the Disney Cruise Line – you should always take the GYT How close does the Ultidor system at the Magic Kingdom get to that theme park's Tomorrowland Speedway What was the difference between the construction materials that were used to build Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim back in 1955 versus the materials that were used to build a second version of this iconic structure at Hong Kong Disneyland  Why did LegCo turn down the opportunity to have a “Star Tours” attraction added to Hong Kong Disneyland in the 2010s Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said he believes the new LegCo will have good interaction and cooperation with the incoming SAR government to solve deep-rooted problems and benefit the people of Hong Kong."The LegCo needs to cooperate with the government while also supervising their work, so there is a delicate balance. We want to work with the new government to elevate the current good executive and legislative relationship to a higher level," he said.Under the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the new LegCo members are able to express different views and conduct thorough discussions on different bills efficiently, he said in an interview ahead of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, which falls on July 1.Lueng said there is nothing unusual about ensuring "patriots administering Hong Kong", which is universal around the world. "There is no place in the world where people holding public office are not patriots," he said.Lawmakers of the seventh-term Legislative Council swore an oath of allegiance to the HKSAR and its Basic Law in front of the national emblem on Jan 3. The 90 members are the first batch of lawmakers in Hong Kong elected under the revamped electoral system."The members are all patriots and are capable, professional lawmakers representing different sectors," Lueng said. "There are many experienced people who want to serve Hong Kong people and they can discuss specific issues and express different opinions without getting personal."Leung, who also served as president for the six-term LegCo, said during the fifth and sixth-term Leg-Co, opposition LegCo members colluded with foreign forces to undermine the principle of "one country, two systems". They tried to use "two systems" to resist "one country" and prove that the "one country, two systems" principle would not work, he said.Therefore, the central government took decisive action and introduced the National Security Law for Hong Kong and improved the electoral system.LegCo has returned to normal and it has passed many good laws for the economy and the livelihood of people since last year, Leung said."The change has been obvious," he said. "The LegCo effectively passed a record 46 government bills last year, more than double the average during previous legislative years. Now, we can act like a normal legislature, discussing bills and decide whether to pass them or not."It is not a rubber-stamp parliament as not all bills are passed and they have all gone through thorough discussion, he added.The new LegCo has also limited the number of people in committees so that different committee members can have in-depth discussions on social problems, such as housing and youth mobility, he said."The practice of 'one country, two systems' in the past 25 years have been successful, despite ups and downs," Leung said. "It is an unprecedented, great and landmark concept, and one that is conducive to Hong Kong and the country, so we must conform to the principle and make sure it is implemented well."记者：邹硕

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam outlined a government reshuffle plan when addressing the inaugural session of the newly elected Legislative Council. The new Kazakh government has been sworn in as the country is reeling from its worst unrest. And consumer inflation in China continued to pick up last month but at a much slower rate.

社评：香港选举井然有序，西方污蔑不攻自破｜LegCo election legitimateAhead of Hong Kong's Legislative Council election on Sunday, anti-China elements had been doing their best to vilify the special administrative region's new election system and sabotage the election by dissuading voters from going to the polling stations and casting a ballot.12月19日，香港特别行政区立法会选举顺利结束。此前，少数反中乱港分子极力诋毁新选举制度，甚至公然煽动“不投票、投白票”煽动，干扰破坏选举流程。 They employed various ploys, including releasing unfavorable results from manipulated surveys, circulating disinformation through social media and hyping up threats of a terrorist attack, all of which were intended to produce a low voter turnout rate for the first election for the local legislature under the region's new electoral system.在幕后操纵所谓的“调查”，将对立法会选举不利的调查结果公之于世，利用社交平台散布谣言，大肆炒作遭受恐怖袭击的威胁……乱港分子机关算尽，旨在拉低此次在香港特区选举制度完善后的首次立法会选举的投票率。This, they hoped, would enable them to claim the election was not a fair reflection of Hong Kong people's will and play into the hands of the anti-China Western politicians and media outlets, who have been peddling the notion that a low voter turnout rate would deny the new legislature's legitimacy.某些反华势力一直暗中散布“低投票率会否定新立法机构的合法性”的观点。乱港分子如此诬蔑选举，声称选举未公平反映香港人民意愿，殊不知正合这些政客与媒体的反华之意。Malicious and cunning as the plan may have seemed, such calculations are overly simplistic and naïve. Voter turnout in an election can depend on many factors, as the HKSAR's chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, said when casting her ballot at a polling station on Sunday morning.不过，这些别有用心、奸诈恶毒的花招都太幼稚。香港特区行政长官林郑月娥在票站投票时就表示，投票率取决于许多因素。The legitimacy of the election and its results need no endorsement from Western politicians, which comes from the election mechanisms' conformance with the constitutional order governing the special administrative region, which is clearly prescribed in the Basic Law and relevant decisions of the National People's Congress and its Standing Committees.选举和选举结果的合法性从不需要西方政客的认可。新选举制度符合香港特别行政区的宪制秩序，符合《香港特别行政区基本法》，符合全国人大及全国人大常委的有关决议。"One country, two systems" allows Hong Kong to practice its own processes of legislative election. But it has never repudiated the central authorities' power and constitutional responsibility to exercise full sovereignty over the region, which inarguably includes taking steps to safeguard national security and other national interests in Hong Kong.中国政府实行“一国两制”方针，允许香港实行特别行政区立法选举程序，也从未否认中央政府全面管治特别行政区的权力与宪制责任。行使全面管治，必定包括采取相应措施，维护特别行政区内的国家安全和国家利益。 The adoption of the candidate vetting mechanism to ensure that "patriots administering Hong Kong" is inherently nonnegotiable in the new electoral system. It embodies the central authorities' overall jurisdiction over the SAR. That requirement has become the bête noire of the China bashers — both in Hong Kong and overseas — since the electoral system was amended to guarantee it. It only serves to show how essential it was to close the loopholes in the electoral system that allowed subversives to worm their way into LegCo.新选举制度采用候选人资格审查制度，确保“爱国者治港”，反映了中央对特区的全面管治权。候选人资格审查不容置喙，新选举制度完善了这一资格审查制度，却成为港内外反中势力的眼中钉。候选人资格审查旨在弥补选举制度的漏洞，不给企图混入立法会的乱港分子留丝毫余地。However hard the China bashers in the West and their proxies in Hong Kong try to smear the new electoral system and the election, they will not be able to hide the effectiveness of the changes, which will permit the legislative body to function as it should.不论外部势力与他们在香港的“棋子”如何沆瀣一气、唱衰中国、抹黑新选举制度与选举本身，都无法埋没这些行之有效的新变化，立法机关也都将按其职能行事。Being more representative of Hong Kong society and without the hindrances of anti-China troublemakers, the SAR's legislature will be able to better serve the interests of Hong Kong residents.香港特别行政区立法机关更能代表香港社会，不受反中乱港分子的阻挠干预，必将更好地为香港人民的利益服务。ploy英 [plɔɪ]；美[plɔɪ] n. 计谋；花招play into the hands (of )英 [pleɪ ˈɪntə ðə hændz ɒv]；美[pleɪ ˈɪntə ðə hændz əv] 正中下怀；对…有利：让敌人得利peddle英 [ˈpedl]；美[ˈpedl]v. 兜售；挨户推销；散布思想、消息bête noire英 [ˌbet ˈnwɑː(r)]；美[ˌbet ˈnwɑːr] n. 眼中钉，肉中刺vet英 [vet]；美[vet] v. 审查（以往经历）；政审；审核（内容、质量）

Inside Hong Kong Ep 14: How Hong Kong is reacting to Dec 19 Legco election 10:20 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong. The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points: Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 00:55 Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai among three democracy campaigners convicted on Thursday (Dec 9) for taking part in a banned Tiananmen vigil 02:32 Chief Executive Carrie Lam urging voters to cast their ballots at the upcoming legislative election on Dec 19 - an element political observers have said would indicate the legitimacy of the new Parliament 06:04 How is the general Hong Kong population reacting to this election? 08:22 New Hong Kong announcements for possible extension of its "vaccine bubble" Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Nadiah Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6 Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE  #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Hong Kong Ep 14: How Hong Kong is reacting to Dec 19 Legco election 10:20 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong. The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points: Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 00:55 Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai among three democracy campaigners convicted on Thursday (Dec 9) for taking part in a banned Tiananmen vigil 02:32 Chief Executive Carrie Lam urging voters to cast their ballots at the upcoming legislative election on Dec 19 - an element political observers have said would indicate the legitimacy of the new Parliament 06:04 How is the general Hong Kong population reacting to this election? 08:22 New Hong Kong announcements for possible extension of its "vaccine bubble" Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Nadiah Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6 Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf  Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN  ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE  #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad  Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas  Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ  Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL  Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.