Beijing overwhelmingly approves expanded Legco and election committee

Chinese lawmakers have in an overwhelming vote Thursday, approved the draft resolution on Hong Kong's electoral reforms at the closing session of the National People's Congress meetings in Beijing, state media reported.

Under the draft decision, the number of seats on the Election Committee will increase from 1,200 to 1,500. The number of seats in the Legislative Council will be increased from 70 to 90, with a balanced distribution of seats returned by geographical constituencies.

The comprehensive overhaul lays down that only “patriots” can rule Hong Kong. 

This overhaul spells the end of the political road  for the opposition in future elections.

The decision was passed at the fourth session of the 13th NPC.

The apex legislature introduced the reform plan for Hong Kong's electoral system into this year's two sessions agenda on March 4.

NPC  Standing Committee, chairman, Li Zhanshu, had said earlier that the overhaul will safeguard the constitutional order of Hong Kong.

The rubber-stamp legislature also adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.