On Sunday December 4 as many as 250,000 people took to the streets in protest over the pro Chinese government system that has been put in place here in Hong Kong. Their slogan “one person, one vote” qualifies them in their action to have the right to choose the executive chair and the leadership of Hong Kong. Beijing has administered a project to allow people to vote (a mock democracy some say) for a selection of candidates that have been appointed to run for office from an 800 member election committee. This system although entitles one to vote, the candidates themselves are put their not by the people but (it is said) by pro China members of government (this said 800 member election committee). This protest could prove to be a monumental step for democracy in this country that has been overshadowed by the great walls of China.
Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Beijing central government has claimed a “one country, two system” formula that promised to give autonomy to Hong Kong. Yet there are obvious changes and influences sweeping this SAR (
Special Administrative Region) that come from over the border.
This thriving spec on the map is bringing international attention from its pro democracy protests and boasts to be one of the economic capitals of Asia.
This takes place all in the buildup to the 2005 WTO (
World Trade Organization) Ministerial Conference that will take place this coming week. (Photos compliments of Nancy Lo)
On Sunday December 4 as many as 250,000 people took to the streets in protest over the pro Chinese government system that has been put in place here in Hong Kong. Their slogan “one person, one vote” qualifies them in their action to have the right to choose the executive chair and the leadership of Hong Kong. Beijing has administered a project to allow people to vote (a mock democracy some say) for a selection of candidates that have been appointed to run for office from an 800 member election committee. This system although entitles one to vote, the candidates themselves are put their not by the people but (it is said) by pro China members of government (this said 800 member election committee). This protest could prove to be a monumental step for democracy in this country that has been overshadowed by the great walls of China.
Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Beijing central government has claimed a “one country, two system” formula that promised to give autonomy to Hong Kong. Yet there are obvious changes and influences sweeping this SAR (Special Administrative Region) that come from over the border.
This thriving spec on the map is bringing international attention from its pro democracy protests and boasts to be one of the economic capitals of Asia.
This takes place all in the buildup to the 2005 WTO (World Trade Organization) Ministerial Conference that will take place this coming week. (Photos compliments of Nancy Lo)
1 comment:
hey, mckay,
did you take part in the demonstration ?
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