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szdaily -> News -> 
Top legislature adopts HK electoral reform bills
    2021-03-31  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

THE Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, yesterday voted unanimously to adopt bills about amending the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).


The amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the HKSAR concern the method for selection of the Hong Kong chief executive, and the method for the formation and voting procedures of the SAR’s Legislative Council.


Top legislator Li Zhanshu stressed at yesterday’s meeting that full implementation of the basic principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” to ensure lasting stability and prosperity in Hong Kong.


He said the two amended annexes fully demonstrate the resolution and common will of the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as the constitutional order of the HKSAR.


A democratic electoral system suiting Hong Kong’s legal status and reality has taken shape as a result of the amendments. The improved electoral system has reconstructed the Election Committee of the HKSAR and given it more powers, Li noted.


While the Hong Kong chief executive continues to be elected by the Election Committee, the amendments have adjusted and improved the size, composition and formation process of the committee.


Besides, the Election Committee has been entrusted with the new functions of electing a relatively large share of Legislative Council members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the Legislative Council.


The improved electoral system has also put in place and improved a candidate eligibility review mechanism, Li added.


These new constitutional arrangements are of great significance to upholding the constitutional order in the HKSAR, and ensuring that the policy of “one country, two systems” remains unchanged, is unwaveringly upheld, and is not bent or distorted in practice in Hong Kong, Li added.


Li said the HKSAR shall amend relevant local laws in accordance with the law in a timely manner, promptly implement matters related to improving the HKSAR electoral system, and organize and regulate relevant election activities as per the law.


In a statement yesterday, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she and the governing team of the HKSAR Government strongly support the amended bills.


The amendments improve the electoral system of the HKSAR, thereby establishing a political structure that upholds the “one country, two systems” principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong, and ensures “patriots administering Hong Kong,” she said.    (Xinhua)


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