Hong Kong Lawmaker Proposes Expansion of Directly Elected Legislative Seats

Outgoing lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun has called for more directly elected seats in Hong Kong's legislature. He argues this would broaden political representation and increase voter participation. His proposal follows Sunday’s Legislative Council election. This was the second poll held under Beijing’s revamped electoral system. Mark Chong Ho-fung, the sole elected member of Tien's Roundtable party, supported the idea. He stated on Tuesday that the goal is to initiate public discussion on political reform. The current system combines directly elected geographical seats with those chosen by professional and special interest groups. Tien's suggestion focuses on expanding the directly elected portion.