Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (center), Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai (left) and Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Roy Tang Yun-Kwong pose for photos holding brochures on the city's electoral reform at a press conference the Central Government Offices, Hong Kong, March 30, 2021. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she and her governing team strongly supported the amendments to the Basic Law regarding Hong Kong’s electoral reform adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) on Tuesday.
The NPCSC on Tuesday morning adopted amendments to Annex I and II of the Basic Law that deal with the method of selection of the HKSAR chief executive and the formation and voting procedures of the Legislative Council.
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The Hong Kong government will extensively explain the matters to the public so that more and more people will recognize the necessity and urgency of the improvements to the electoral system and render their support, said Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam
In a statement, Lam said her administration will spare no efforts in taking forward the necessary amendments to the local electoral legislation accordingly.
The Hong Kong government will extensively explain the matters to the public so that more and more people will recognize the necessity and urgency of the improvements to the electoral system and render their support, Lam added.
After the passage of the local electoral legislation by the Legislative Council, the HKSAR government will implement the new electoral system and conduct local elections in accordance with the law in an orderly and efficient manner, she added.
The HKSAR government's principal officials expressed similar sentiments in separate statements.
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Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the amendments to the annexes approved by the NPCSC will ensure that the electoral system of the HKSAR can progress with wider representation and cope better with the actual situation of Hong Kong, “putting Hong Kong’s political structure back on a firmer and more promising footing.”
The liaison office said the admenments would provide a significant institutional guarantee for the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle and will usher in the development of the democratic system suited to Hong Kong's realities into a new phase
"As the electoral system is improved, Hong Kong can find its way out of a political swamp and create a stable social environment conducive to good governance, thereby enabling the HKSAR government to focus on developing the economy, improving people's livelihoods, and fundamentally resolving complex and deep-seated social issues and conflicts,” Cheung said.
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Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said that an improved electoral system will strengthen the executive-led political system and enhance the governance capability of the HKSAR government, thereby enabling the community as a whole.
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said the increase in the size and composition of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council reflect a more balanced political participation and a broader representation of society, "signifying an important move to advance the HKSAR's democratic electoral system."
Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu and six heads of disciplined services of the HKSAR government also expressed their full support for the NPC move on Tuesday.
They said that the amendments to the annexes I and II to the HKSAR Basic Law specify clearly the regulations of the electoral system and provide a solid and powerful constitutional guarantee, enhancing the governance of the HKSAR government, fostering cohesion and unity of society and addressing the deep-seated problems.
Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the HKSAR said the NPCSC's move will close the loopholes in the existing electoral system in Hong Kong and curbing external interference in local elections
The Security Bureau and the six disciplinary forces will stand united and spare no effort in safeguarding national security to ensure Hong Kong's prosperity and long-term stability and order.
Closing loopholes
The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the HKSAR also voiced support for the amendments adopted by the NPCSC.
In a statement, the liaison office said the admenments would provide a significant institutional guarantee for the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle and will usher in the development of the democratic system suited to Hong Kong's realities into a new phase.
The central authorities have always been propelling and safeguarding Hong Kong's democracy and the amendments demonstrate the commitment of the central authorities to improve the mechanism of "one country, two systems" and maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, according to a statement issued by the office.
In a separate statement, the commissioner's office said the NPC move will close the loopholes in the existing electoral system in Hong Kong and curbing external interference in local elections.
The HKSAR deputies to the NPC and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) issued statements, saying that they will fully support the HKSAR government to carry out the local legislation work for implementing the new election methods as soon as possible.
With Xinhua inputs