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In response to media enquiries about the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (October 24) gave the following reply:
"The HKSAR Government has not received any official notification from the UN Human Rights Committee yet. The Government reiterates that the constitutional development of Hong Kong has to be taken forward in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant Interpretation and Decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC).
"Article 26 of the Basic Law provides that 'Permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with law.'
"Article 45 of the Basic Law provides that 'The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People's Government. The method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.'
"On August 31, the NPCSC adopted the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Issues Relating to the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by Universal Suffrage and on the Method for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2016 (Decision), which formally determined that universal suffrage for the Chief Executive (CE) election through 'one person, one vote' could be implemented starting from 2017. The Decision also sets out a clear framework on the specific method for selecting CE by universal suffrage.
"It is the common aspiration of the Central Authorities, the HKSAR Government, and the public at large to implement 'one person, one vote' universal suffrage for the CE election in 2017. The Government will implement universal suffrage for the CE in 2017 strictly in accordance with the Basic Law and the Decision of the NPCSC, and will consult the public on the specific method for selecting the CE by universal suffrage at an appropriate juncture."
Ends/Friday, October 24, 2014
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