Here’s everything we know – and don’t know – about Hong Kong’s proposed electoral overhaul

There was to be no repeat of the 2019 protests when anti-government, anti-China elements – often with opposition lawmakers in the thick of the action – caused chaos and threatened national security, various leaders said over the past several days.

Under the biggest shake-up to the city’s elections since its return to China in 1997, the rules of two major political races will be rewritten, with the already-delayed Legislative Council poll – originally scheduled for last September – likely to be further postponed, according to Hong Kong deputies to China’s top legislature who were briefed on the proposals.

While National People’s Congress (NPC) vice-chairman Wang Chen on Friday vowed to establish “a democratic electoral system with Hong Kong characteristics”, critics have warned the changes would further quash dissent and roll back years of efforts to liberalise the system.

The central government has insisted the moves were necessary to ensure “one country, two systems” could get back on track and national security could be upheld. On Sunday, Chinese vice-premier Han Zheng, who takes care of Hong Kong affairs, said the government would be resolute in making the changes, characterising it as a battle against subversion.

As delegates to the annual “two sessions” in Beijing begin discussions on a resolution on Hong Kong electoral reform on Monday morning – with an amended version expected as early as Tuesday – here is what we know so far about the fundamental overhaul.