Building Democracy offers an analysis of Hong Kong's current political situation within the larger context of its political history and its relationship to Beijing. The 12 chapters explore all the topics that are essential to building a healthy and vigorous democracy, such as: the role of political parties, democratic reform and business, accountability and open government, the media, the basic law, legislative-executive relations, the role of the civil service; development of constitutional conventions; and women in politics. Specific subjects covered include the Principal Officials Accountability System (POAS), Article 23 legislation and the Government response to the 2003 outbreak of Severe Atypical Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A postscript discusses the July 1st March and the meetings outside the Legislative Council.

Foreword: Yash Ghai, University of Hong Kong

Introduction: Enhancing Democratic Participation in Hong Kong

Christine Loh, Civic Exchange

1. The Basic Law, Human Rights and Democracy: Theory and Practice

Michael Davis, Chinese University of Hong Kong

2. Legislative-Executive Interface in Hong Kong

SING Ming, City University of Hong Kong

3. Accountability and Open Government

Cheung Chor-yung, City University of Hong Kong

4. Election and Voting Systems: Perspectives on Democratic Governance

C. Raj Kumar, City University of Hong Kong

5. Political Reform and Political Parties

Ray Yep, City University of Hong Kong and SynergyNet

6. The Civil Service and Political Reform

Anthony B.L. Cheung, City University of Hong Kong and SynergNet

7. Constitutional Conventions and Political Reform

Sonny Lo, University of Hong Kong

8. Democratic Development and Business Interests

Ma Ngok, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

9. The Media and Society in Hong Kong

Richard Cullen, Monash University, Australia

Visiting Professor, City University of Hong Kong

10. Women and Politics

Irene Tong, University of Hong Kong

11. Civil Society and Democratic Development in Hong Kong

Christine Loh, Civic Exchange

12. Experiencing Democracy - Inclusive Participatory Forums

Ivy Ning, PeoplePlus

Postscript: Christine Loh, Civic Exchange

Authors