The newly established Hangzhou center in China has introduced a virtual reality exhibit that allows visitors to 'experience' being a delegate to the Zhejiang People's Congress. However, netizens have responded with online mockery, joking that 'virtual democracy is virtually democracy.' The VR experience has been ridiculed for its attempt to simulate the democratic process, with attendees picking out virtual avatars, receiving a 'delegate's badge,' and sitting in the congressional auditorium. The dark humor surrounding the VR democracy experience reflects the skepticism towards the concept of 'whole-process people's democracy' promoted by the Chinese government. The online jokes highlight the gap between the virtual simulation and the reality of political participation. [fe958231]
In Hong Kong, the struggle for democracy continues amidst the recent arrest of a former opposition councilor. The district council election, a crucial part of the democratic system, has undergone a major electoral overhaul, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of democratically-elected seats. Candidates must now undergo national security vetting, further limiting the pool of eligible candidates. Despite these obstacles, the Democratic Party has announced its participation in the 'patriots-only' district council race, although they have had to reduce the number of candidates due to the restrictive nature of the election. The pro-Beijing rival is expected to announce a much larger list of candidates, highlighting the imbalance in the electoral process. The recent arrests of former democratic district councillors on fraud charges have raised concerns about the abuse of power and illegal activities, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring and immediate law enforcement actions to ensure the integrity of the democratic system. [05e7f02b]
The fight for democracy in Hong Kong continues, with pro-democracy activists and politicians working tirelessly to uphold the principles of freedom and representation. Despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to the cause and strive for a more democratic future for Hong Kong. [05e7f02b]