Democracy or Convergence: The Dilemma of Political Reform in Hong Kong

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the dilemma of political reform in Hong Kong during the transition to 1997, using Governor Chris Patten’s constitutional package as a basis for discussion. The package lists a series of political reforms for a democratic government in the transitional period, while China emphasizes convergence with the political system as stipulated in the Basic Law. Thus, political development in Hong Kong is now at a point of choice between two evils: democracy which will be crushed by China; or convergence with the wishes of China at the expense of democracy.

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Jermain T.M. Lam

Jermain T. M. Lam is University Lecturer in Public and Social Administration, City Polytechnic of Hong Kong.