When Britain and China agreed the terms of the handover of Hong Kong in 1984, the Chinese side agreed that the territory would be run under the principle of “one country two systems”.
This meant China would allow Hong Kong a higher degree of political freedom than was permitted on the mainland. But Beijing retained the right to determine at a later date what electoral system Hong Kong could be trusted to have. After a period of uncertainty, China has now reached its decision. The Hong Kong people will be able to elect their leaders – but only if they accept democracy with Chinese characteristics.
The tortuous electoral process selected by the Chinese government is the palest form of “democracy” permissible while living within the terms of the Basic Law – Hong Kong’s mini-constitution that Beijing signed with Britain before the former colony’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Under this document Beijing agreed that Hong Kong citizens should elect their chief executive – the territory’s equivalent of a mayor – by universal suffrage.