Hong Kong’s Mainland and Constitutional Affairs Minister Erick Tsang tries to stir enthusiasm for District Council elections by combining publicity for the exercise with the ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’ campaign. He seems eager to: a) boost turnout in the patriots-only poll, and b) to stress that the actual turnout figure is not important. (Maybe elsewhere in the administration an official is trying to boost turnout at contrived night markets while saying attendance figures don’t matter.)
It would look bad if you could vote for any party you want so long as it’s the DAB, which is running over 100 candidates. So a pro-Beijing ‘youth’-style party will also participate with five hopefuls. The opposition Democratic Party hopes to have six on the ballot. The word is that the relevant authorities will not let them get nominated – though the government denies anything has been finalized. (And yes, ‘authorities’ and ‘government’ are not necessarily the same thing.)
This still looks like most constituencies will have only DAB candidates running, though some candidates with the necessary endorsements might have an ‘independent’ tag to spice things up.
James Ockenden, the transport and workplace safety campaigner behind Transit Jam, also plans to take part in Kowloon City. It’s hard to see a genuinely independent figure – with a track record of highlighting government departments’ shortcomings – being allowed on the ballot. (In case you missed it: his yucky report on the Wanchai ‘night market’ by day.) The designers of the ‘improved’ election system put a lot of hard work into making sure only the right sort of people might get elected. Hence Erick Tsang’s simultaneous promotion of and feigned lack of concern with turnout.
More on the drop in Hong Kong’s younger population, with analysis from a consultancy director…
Many youngsters left Hong Kong as they were disappointed at the SAR’s future after the 2019 social unrest and the implementation of the national security law, Suen said.
Although the administration said Hong Kong has restored stability and normality, many youngsters do not feel that way as they feel the freedom of speech has been undermined, he added.
Suen said that although the administration did not ease concerns, the authorities are targeting the younger generation to cultivate patriotism.
“It is difficult for the government to change young Hongkongers minds as many of them have a negative feeling towards the government,” he said.
“The government is now working on educating primary school students by increasing their exchange opportunities with the mainland and enhancing patriotism.”
“increasing their exchange opportunities with the mainland and enhancing patriotism.”
Ah yes…out of adversity comes opportunity. Lucky, lucky youth.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said he hopes to establish an ecosystem where people spontaneously organize activities and performances.
Has he had a word with the SS* about that?
*For the avoidance of doubt, Secretary for Security
Desperation or the addition of a masochistic element to the ‘Vibe”?
One can surmise also from various references that the admin recognizes that the election format is an invitation to corruption and selection ‘buying’.
Is anyone else having China Daily delivered to their door or am I on some circulation list to which I certainly did not subscribe? Luckily paper recycle basket is conveniently close to the door.
In 2019-2020, thousands of uniformed primary school students held hands on the pavement outside of their schools before class singing “Glory to Hong Kong” and chanting “Hong Kong, add oil!” Their tongues may be stilled, but their hearts will not be changed, no matter how many struggle sessions they must sit through.
“Is anyone else having China Daily delivered to their door or am I on some circulation list to which I certainly did not subscribe?”
Nope. I get DAB flyers sometimes.
“The government is now working on educating primary school students by increasing their exchange opportunities with the mainland and enhancing patriotism.”
Yup, Gen Z is a lost cause, so let them all move to Taiwan and the UK. Direct all effort to brainwashing the current 5-10 year olds.
(In my experience working with Mainland students for 20 years, such intensive firewalling of ideas has only limited success. The world leaks in, and questions are raised. This happens in all authoritarian regimes.)
@ steve
Writing off Gen Z but having confidence in the generation to follow is the most upbeat view of Hong Kong’s future I’ve heard – here or among any free thinkers. Bravo!