The first Hong Kong Legislative Council election after the restructuring was held and ended on December 19.
The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand issued a statement on this issue on December 20th.
The content of the full text translation is as follows:
We-the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States Secretary of State-issued a joint statement on the results of the Hong Kong Legislative Council election, expressing our serious concern about the erosion of the democratic elements of Hong Kong's electoral system.
We want Hong Kong to succeed, but actions that undermine Hong Kong’s rights, freedom and high degree of autonomy are undermining our common aspiration.
Since the reunification, candidates with different political opinions have competed in Hong Kong for competitive elections.
Yesterday’s election reversed this trend.
The reform of the Hong Kong electoral system introduced at the beginning of this year reduced the number of directly elected seats and established a new review procedure, which strictly restricted voters' choices on ballots.
These changes exclude meaningful political opposition.
At the same time, many opposition politicians in Hong Kong-including most of the defendants in the much-anticipated "47 National Security Law" case-are still in custody awaiting trial, while others are in exile.
We also continue to express serious concerns about the widespread chilling effect of the "Minato National Security Law" and its increasing restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. These are all having an impact on civil society as a whole.
Non-governmental organizations, trade unions, and human rights organizations that did not support the government’s policies were forced to disband or leave, and media freedom was gradually narrowed.
Protecting the space for expression of different peaceful views is the most effective way to ensure the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
We urge China to act in accordance with its international obligations and respect the rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong, including those guaranteed by the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Legislative Council Election｜Four non-organizational factions received insufficient votes and confiscation of deposit depository to "receive" 200,000 yuan. Legislative Council elections｜Five Eyes Alliance’s foreign ministers jointly criticize Hong Kong’s democracy
