No ‘Beijing’s blessing’ or special treatment in Hong Kong election, office says

There is no such thing as a “blessing” or “special treatment” for candidates in Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council poll, Beijing’s top office overseeing the city’s affairs has said, after at least 15 legislators decided against running for re-election.

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also said on Friday night that a change of lawmakers through Legco elections was standard practice and represented “the true meaning of democracy”. It said younger, more professional and innovative lawmakers would be elected on December 7.

The office posted a commentary on its WeChat account under the pen name “Gang Ao Ping” following a wave of lawmakers announcing their decision to bow out of Legco.

So far, 15 lawmakers, including eight veterans aged 70 or above, have declared that they will not seek re-election. Their reasons for stepping down range from age and health to family and career planning.

“The orderly succession of legislators through regular elections is standard practice of the Legislative Council and represents one of the true meanings of democracy,” the commentary said.

“All candidates who are confirmed as qualified candidates through the statutory process will compete from the same starting line. There is no such thing as a ‘blessing list’ nor does anyone enjoy any ‘special treatment’.”