Violators Of Security Law Face Poll Disqualification

Violators of the new security legislation imposed in Hong Kong will face tough punishment and also lose their right to stand in elections, according to detail of the law released late on Tuesday night.

In the government gazette, it says anybody convicted of violating the new law will lose their eligibility to take part in local Legco or District Council elections.

They will also lose the right to take up public office positions or become a member of the election committee for the CE election.

Those who’ve previously taken an oath to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the HKSAR, will lose their positions immediately.

This will include lawmakers, district councillors, government or public officers, members of the Executive Council, judges and members of the judiciary.

Several other pro-democracy candidates were asked about their stance on Hong Kong independence and self determination during the last district council elections, but almost all were allowed to proceed.

Former Demosisto leader Joshua Wong was the only candidate to be banned over his political stance after a returning officer ruled his nomination invalid.

The November poll saw pro-government parties swept out of office and the opposition was looking for a repeat performance when the Legco elections are to be held on September 6.

But the new effect of the new law and possible disqualifications it could cause may complicate the situation.