China approves Hong Kong electoral system reform bill

The top decision-making body in the Chinese parliament unanimously adopted a controversial plan to reform Hong Kong’s electoral system by a vote of 167-0 on Tuesday.

The sweeping bill is the biggest overhaul of Hong Kong’s political system to occur since the territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997, and comes as Beijing seeks to consolidate power over the financial hub.

Under the changes approved by China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the number of directly elected representatives to Hong Kong’s legislature will fall from 35 to 20, while the size of the legislature would increase from 70 to 90 seats.