The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) today (August 28) approved and recorded respectively the “(Draft) Amendment to Annex I to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” and the “(Draft) Amendment to Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Concerning the Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” submitted by the Chief Executive.
“I am thankful for the NPCSC’s decision. It signifies the completion of the five-step legislative process for amending the methods for selecting the Chief Executive (CE) and for forming the Legislative Council(LegCo), realising the aspirations of the whole community to roll forward constitutional development, ” the CE, Mr Donald Tsang said.
“Hong Kong people have come a long way on constitutional development. Today is the first time since the reunification that we have managed to complete the procedures stipulated in the Basic Law to amend the methods for selecting the CE and for forming the LegCo. It is a hard-won outcome by the strenuous efforts of many.
“What remains to be done is local legislation on the two electoral methods in 2012 and the abolition of the District Council appointment system. I am sure that all parties will spare no efforts in pursuing this in the best interest of Hong Kong.”
The Administration will submit legislative proposals on the two electoral methods in 2012 to the LegCo after taking into account the views of various parties. It is hoped that they will be passed by the LegCo by next May.
Ends/Saturday, August 28, 2010
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