The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, today (March 5) issued through the LegCo Secretariat the following statement in response to a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to be deliberated by the National People's Congress (NPC):

     NPC will deliberate a draft decision on improving the electoral system of HKSAR, which involves amending Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law with respect to the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of LegCo. The enactment of local legislation is also required.

     The principle of "the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people, with patriots forming the mainstay", as put forward by the Central Authorities, is conducive to safeguarding national security and development interests, as well as improving the political system of Hong Kong in the light of its actual situation. It is also a universal principle that people vested with governing powers and responsibilities must be patriotic.

     It is both understandable and appropriate for the Central Authorities to take the initiative at the national level to improve the electoral system of Hong Kong. An improved electoral system can rationalize the constitutional order, establish a peaceful and rational legislature, reduce unnecessary internal attrition and conflicts, ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems", contribute to the long-term prosperity and stable development of our society, and ensure the stability of people's livelihood.

     Hong Kong embraces a wide political spectrum. The Central Authorities have all along been understanding and accommodating the diverse views in our society. It is believed that upon the improvement of the electoral system, there will still be a variety of voices in the legislature. When enacting the relevant local legislation, LegCo will, as always, discharge its constitutional functions to scrutinize the proposed legislation.

Ends/Friday, March 5, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:13

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