How Do Patriots Stand Out?: A Comparative Analysis of the Group Affiliation from 2021 LegCo Elections.

• In Event: Political Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Partisanship (Table 14)

Abstract

This paper examines how pro-establishment (“patriot”) candidates in Hong Kong’s 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) election distinguished themselves under the newly reformed electoral system. Drawing on theories of authoritarian elections and patron-clientelism, the study investigates whether organizational affiliations—particularly ties to pro-Beijing and CCP-satellite groups—enhanced candidates’ electoral success. Using biographical and affiliation data for 125 candidates (63 winners and 62 losers), the author conducts social network analysis and logistic regression to assess how group connections shape outcomes

The findings show that winners possessed significantly stronger organizational networks than losers, especially through affiliations with CCP-satellite groups, business chambers, governmental committees, mainland legislative bodies, and major pro-Beijing parties. Network centrality measures indicate that pro-Beijing groups occupy core positions within the political network, serving as bridges between elites and key voters. Logistic regression results further confirm that ties to these groups significantly increase the likelihood of electoral success.

The study concludes that despite institutional reforms eliminating opposition participation, Beijing’s patron-clientelist networks—particularly alliances with business elites—remain central to governance. Organizational embeddedness within the pro-Beijing camp continues to be a decisive resource for political advancement in Hong Kong’s post-reform electoral system.

Author

• Paul Lam, Griffith University