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In response to media enquiries on the comments by Legislative Councillor Emily Lau on Hong Kong’s constitutional development in RTHK's "Letter to Hong Kong" broadcast earlier today (July 19), a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said:
"On promotion of democratic development in Hong Kong, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has made a decision on the universal suffrage timetable, making it clear that the Chief Executive (CE) may be elected by universal suffrage in 2017, and all Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) may be so elected in 2020. This decision is widely accepted by the community.
"The top priority for the current HKSAR Government is to determine the electoral methods for the CE and the LegCo in 2012. We should discuss how to enhance the democratic elements of those two elections, so as to pave the way for implementing universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
"We will consult the public on the two electoral methods for 2012 in the fourth quarter of this year. We believe that there is enough time to discuss and to forge consensus on the arrangements.
"The HKSAR Government is sincere and determined to implement universal suffrage in Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law and the timetable decided by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. We appeal to all to work together with the Government to build on common ground and roll forward the electoral methods for 2012 to a mid way point, so as to take an important step for Hong Kong towards universal suffrage."
Ends/Sunday, July 19, 2009
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