Life of Guangzhou - Legislation Work for 2012 Elections Planned

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam says the Government plans to publish a report next year summarising the views collected during the consultation on the 2012 electoral arrangements.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Lam said the Government will then draft a bill to amend the related appendix of the Basic Law based on the public consensus and table it to the Legislative Council.

A final proposal can be submitted to the Central Government after getting the support of two-thirds of lawmakers and the Chief Executive's endorsement.

Mr Lam hoped the local legislative work concerning the arrangements for the 2012 Chief Executive and LegCo Elections can start in the fourth quarter next year after finishing all the constitutional procedures.

He urged the public to actively participate in the consultation exercise. "This is a consultation and the directions we have suggested are only a framework, a broad framework for proceeding for 2012. We will consider ideas from all sides, particularly about the details of local legislation."

Refuting the allegation that the framework proposed in the consultation paper is tailor-made for certain political parties, the secretary said elections are open competitions and nobody can control or predict the election results.

Speaking after meeting District Councils chairmen and vice-chairmen, Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the Government highly appreciates district councillors' work and contributions.

Noting the chairmen and vice-chairmen fully understood the whole situation and the Government's stance, Mr Tang said they agreed that the proposed framework can increase the democratic element in the 2012 electoral arrangements.

He hoped the public will play their role in advancing Hong Kong's democratic development.

[More Hong Kong & Macau News]