Hong Kong has held its first legislative election after the region's electoral system was revamped over what the government called "loopholes". Candidates were approved based on the key principle of "patriots administrating Hong Kong" in the wake of the 2019 social unrest. Zhou Jiaxin reports. 

Patriots greet and celebrate. Ninety candidates have been elected to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council after a vote held on Sunday.

STANLEY LI LegCo Member-elect "I am one of the first-time runners, and have never worked in the legislative council before. I feel the need to learn and to shoulder responsibilities. The legislative council used to be at times dysfunctional. But now it's time to solve problems."

The government says obstructions within the Legislative Council, or LegCo, as well as anti-China sentiments from some opposition forces posed a threat to constitutional order and national sovereignty.

Hong Kong passed a law earlier this year to improve the electoral system and fix the loopholes that made it possible for anti-China destabilizing elements to make their way into the power structure. So, under the new electoral law, the LegCo has 20 more seats, broader representation and patriots as members.

CARRIE LAM Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region "We had 153 candidates with different political views and backgrounds, and Hong Kong people voted for their favorite representatives. I believe the new set-up has a broader representation, and we're looking forward to working with them."

Newcomers also hailed the balanced and broad representation in the elections.

LAM TZIT-YUEN LegCo Member-elect Chairman, Medical Conscience Non-profit Group "We have a much bigger constituency. We're considering everyone within the medical and health profession that gives us a much broader view of developments of medical and health system of Hong Kong."

The President of the LegCo, who's been re-elected, says he and other incumbent legislators are quite willing to pass on their experiences to their new colleagues who have new ideas so that they can create more opportunities for the people and the city to thrive.

ANDREW LEUNG President, Hong Kong's Legislative Council "We can work faster. It's like a high-speed rail putting back on track, and we can press the button and go."

But young voters say political enthusiasm is not very strong among their peers, partly because they don't have enough information about the government's new policies.

"The young people of Hong Kong are not familiar with the city's policies under the National Security Law, and the new electoral system at all. I think it takes time."

ZHOU JIAXIN Hong Kong "The president of Legislative Council says the new setup has to focus on the economy and livelihood of people, particularly housing and youth employment. And that's at the core of the new electoral system and the region's course of democracy. Zhou Jiaxin, CGTN, Hong Kong."