Legislative Council of Hong Kong

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Legislative Council of Hong Kong 香港立法會
7th Legislative Council
Type
Type	Unicameral
History
Founded	1843
Leadership
President	Andrew Leung since 12 October 2016
Chief Executive	John Lee Ka-chiu since 1 July 2022
Structure
Seats	90
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Political groups	Pro-Beijing camp (89)   Nonpartisan (1)
Elections
Voting system	Mixed-member proportional representation
Last election	19 December 2021
Next election	2025
Meeting place
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Legislative Council Complex, Central and Western District, Hong Kong
Website
www.legco.gov.hk

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong (LegCo) is the unicameral legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. Established in 1843, it is one of the oldest legislatures in Asia. The Legislative Council is responsible for enacting, amending, or repealing laws, examining and approving budgets, taxation, and public expenditure, and monitoring the work of the government.

History

The Legislative Council was established in 1843 following the establishment of Hong Kong as a British colony. Initially, it was an advisory body to the Governor of Hong Kong. Over the years, the council evolved, gaining more legislative powers and becoming more representative of the local population.

Structure

The Legislative Council is composed of 90 members, who are elected through a mixed-member proportional representation system. The members are divided into three groups: Geographical constituencies, Functional constituencies, and the Election Committee constituency.

Geographical Constituencies

Geographical constituencies are directly elected by the residents of Hong Kong. The territory is divided into several constituencies, each represented by multiple members.

Functional Constituencies

Functional constituencies represent various sectors of the economy and society, such as finance, education, and labor. These members are elected by designated bodies or individuals within those sectors.

Election Committee Constituency

The Election Committee constituency is composed of members elected by the Election Committee, which is a body of electors representing various sectors and groups in Hong Kong.

Powers and Functions

The Legislative Council has several key functions:

• **Legislation**: Enacting, amending, or repealing laws.
• **Budget Approval**: Examining and approving budgets, taxation, and public expenditure.
• **Government Oversight**: Monitoring and scrutinizing the work of the government.
• **Public Representation**: Representing the interests and views of the public.

Meetings and Sessions

The Legislative Council meets at the Legislative Council Complex in the Central and Western District of Hong Kong. The council holds regular sessions to discuss and debate proposed legislation, budgets, and other matters of public interest.

Presidents of the Legislative Council

The President of the Legislative Council is elected by the members of the council. The current president is Andrew Leung, who has been in office since 12 October 2016.

Related Pages

• Chief Executive of Hong Kong
• Legislative Council Complex
• Geographical constituencies
• Functional constituencies
• Election Committee constituency
• 2021 Hong Kong legislative election
• 2025 Hong Kong legislative election

See Also

• Politics of Hong Kong
• Government of Hong Kong
• History of Hong Kong