- With all but one of the 18 local bodies now under their control, pan-democrats have to go beyond politics and improve people’s livelihoods
Sweeping changes are expected at the city's district councils following the pan-democrats' landslide victory in last month's polls. For the first time, the opposition bloc will form the majority in all but one of the 18 councils, giving it a say in a wide range of affairs. From reforming council operations to choices of district projects, a wealth of ideas has already been tabled ahead of the start of the new term in January. While it is an opportunity for the opposition to learn how to exercise its powers responsibly, it is important that the councils' role of enhancing people's livelihoods will not be compromised by politics.
Some of the initiatives, such as scrapping the practice of letting councillors act on behalf of absent colleagues, allowing live broadcasts of meetings and providing verbatim records, are indeed long overdue. The measures expose the inadequate transparency and accountability that went on when government-friendly councillors were in control. Other ideas, including reviews of much-criticised district landmark projects, asking relevant police divisions to explain enforcement actions against protesters and installing permanent "Lennon Walls" on which people may express their views, have also been floated.
Buoyed by campaign slogans such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", some winners may think they now have the mandate to revolutionise councils. But the lower-tier district affairs advisory bodies have well established roles and functions under the law. Inevitably, the political agenda is expected to become heavier under the pan-democrats' leadership, but the councils must not fall short of what is legally required " to advise on matters affecting the well-being of the people and provide public facilities and services.
Previously, there were concerns that the pan-democrats' views could not be fully reflected. The same applies when the pro-government camp becomes the minority. It is important councils do not become platforms for advancing self-interest or political courses. Now the opposition is in power, it needs to go beyond politics and be able to improve people's livelihoods. It is incumbent upon members to prove they can exercise powers responsibly and be held accountable for decisions.
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