China has sharply reduced the number of directly elected seats in Hong Kong’s legislature in another setback for democracy in the city. The Hong Kong legislature will be expanded to 90 seats, but only 20 will be elected by the public. Last year, China imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong, and is following up this year with a revamp of the electoral process. The Hong Kong government is now tasked with revising its electoral laws and holding an election. Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong see the changes as part of a broader effort to keep them out of office.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 30, 2021 11:17 UTC