The Black Hole of Politics

Someone told me last night that Hong Kong citizens generally don't think politics is a very hot topic. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really that surprised - I've been reading that same line in doctoral dissertations, newspaper articles and political dictionaries over and over again during the past few weeks, perhaps phrased in a slightly different way: "political apathy", "economic pre-disposition", "utilitarian familism", you name it...The bottom line seems to be: Politics is out. Economics is in.

If you judge political interest by electoral participation, you would be inclined to agree. In the 2004 elections to the LegCo, only slightly above 50 per cent of Hong Kong citizens cast their ballots (and this was a record voter turnout!). But if you agree with the claim above, you are also saying that 500 000 people marching on the streets in protection of their political rights is NOT a manifestation of political interest. Because this is precisely what happened less than three years ago, on July 1st 2003, as Hong Kongers took to the streets to protest against Beijing's intentions to increase control of HKcivil society, and demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the former Chief Executive Tung.

Can't help but think of the miniscule prospects of a similar scenario in my home country, Sweden - population-wise, about the same size as HK ( but with a voter particpation turnout rate of 81 %). Half a million Swedes on Sergel's Torg, protesting against Goran Persson? Fat chance (no pun intended).

I'm not saying that electoral politics can be replaced by mass protests and civil society activism. On the contrary, I believe that increased confidence in the HK political parties and electoral system is an acute need, and that the accountability and representativity of popularly elected politicians is one of the most important fundaments of a democratic society. My purpose is rather to dispute those who use the supposed "political apathy" of HK as an argument of denying citizens further democratic reform. Hong Kongers obviously think politics is hot. With a political system where parties actually had the chance to govern, I believe they would think political parties are hot too.