Seminars and Discussion Group

Regional Forum on Constitutional Development
(Kowloon)
(19 July 2004)
Group Discussion Summaries
Group 1: Mr Eric Cheng

(Translation)

Method for Selecting the Chief Executive

The Number of Members of the Election Committee

• The majority of participants suggested that the number of members of the Election Committee should be increased. Specifically, many participants proposed an increase of the membership to 1 600 so that more views could be represented. It could also enhance the legitimacy of the Election Committee. Some other participants proposed an increase to 1 200 or 2 000.
  
  

• A participant considered that if there was a significant increase in the number of Election Committee in one go, this might not accord with the principle of gradual and orderly progress.

The Composition of the Election Committee

• Participants proposed to consider adding new sub-sectors, in particular district organizations and registered local services associations, with a view to enhancing participation.
  
  

• A participant suggested that ex-members of the Legislative Council be added to the Election Committee.
  
  

• There was also a suggestion that some District Council members or co-opted members of the District Councils be added to the Election Committee.

The Number of Members Required for Nominating Candidates

• Some participants were of the opinion that an upper limit should not be imposed on the number of subscribers required for nominating candidates. However, a lower limit should be set for each sector in order to enhance the legitimacy of the candidates. Some other participants were of the view that, to encourage competition, an upper limit of 150 to 200 should be imposed.

The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of the Election Committee

• A participant said that the general public were not too clear about the sub-sectors to which they belong. He hoped that the Government would launch some publicity in this regard.

Method for Forming the Legislative Council

The Number of Seats in the Legislative Council

• The majority of participants agreed that the number of seats in the Legislative Council should be increased.
  
  

• A participant objected to an increase in the number of seats in the Legislative Council on the ground that it would reduce efficiency and increase public expenditure if there were too many Legislative Council Members.
  
  

• Overall speaking, no participant suggested reducing the number of seats.

The Number of Seats Returned by Geographical Constituencies

• A participant proposed an increase in the number of geographical seats to 35, while another participant suggested 40.
  
  

• A participant considered that the number of geographical seats should be increased in proportion to population growth and distribution.

The Number of Seats Returned by Functional Constituencies

• A participant proposed an increase in the number of geographical seats to 35, while another participant suggested 40.

The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of Legislative Council Functional Constituencies

• A participant was of the opinion that more and more Hong Kong people were working in the Mainland; many small and medium size enterprises were also investing in the Mainland. As such, a functional seat was needed to look after the needs of this group of people.
  
  

• A participant proposed that the electorate should be expanded to include District Council members and co-opted members of the District Councils, as well as district organizations serving the grassroot.
  
  

• Participants held different views on whether a voter could have two votes. Some participants considered that "one-voter-two-votes" was unfair. Some proposed that voters could opt to cast their vote in either geographical constituencies or functional constituencies.

Provisions regarding Nationality of Legislative Council Members

• A participant said that the Basic Law had stipulated the requirement for the nationality of Legislative Council Members. It should not be amended.
  
  

• Some participants were of the view that, in the long run, the relevant provisions allowing people who had foreign nationality or foreign right of abode to run for Legislative Council elections should be repealed to facilitate the implementation of "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong".

Others

• Some participants suggested that the discipline and performance of Legislative Council Members be monitored. For example, their remuneration could be reduced if their attendance rates were low.
  
  

• A participant proposed that in order to reduce the expenses for voter registration, all citizens should automatically be registered as voters when they reached 18.