Twenty Years of Functional Elections in Hong Kong: Exclusive Corporatism or Alternative Democratic Form?

Scholars have long contemplated the possibility of using functional representation as an alternative form of democratic representation, instead of representation on a geographical basis. Since 1985, Hong Kong has had up to half of the legislature elected by functional constituencies (FCs) defined by professional occupations or economic sectors. This 20‐year experience of FCs shows that it is difficult for functional representation to be compatible with modern democratic principles of equal voting rights, transparency and accountability. It has also adversely affected party development, led to legislative fragmentation and more particularistic bargaining in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong experience thus casts serious doubts on the feasibility of functional representation as an alternative democratic form of electoral representation.