Since last year when the Standing Committee of the Chinese National Congress released its white paper on democracy in Hong Kong, there has been some debate over what universal suffrage means in a Chinese context. From a Western perspective, the proposal with a nominating committee that proposes three candidates that the public then gets to choose from, is quite far from democratic. Especially when the composition of the nominating committee is taken into account it becomes quite clear that Beijing is not about to actually let the people of Hong Kong select their governor freely, but rather have them choose between puerh and oolong – either way you will enjoy Chinese tea.
It has fallen upon the current government, which was appointed by Beijing, to convince the legislative council and the people of Hong Kong that this mirage of choice indeed constitutes free elections. As a foreigner it is easy to get lost in the campaign material, but from my understanding, if you are handed a flyer such as this:
The translation should read something like this:
To all Hong Kong people:
It’s not rape if you consent!
Let’s urge the Legislative Council to endorse the universal suffrage proposal.
Many Hong Kongers sided with the Umbrella Movement to protest this circus in a remarkable peaceful manner last fall, but some of the protestors chose instead to wield the old blue ensign in an attempt to close their eyes and think of England. Presumably they would one day come to accept big brother Beijing if the proposal passes.
Official translation of the flyer can be found here.
