F. Developing Democracy and Enhancing Governance
Implementation of Universal Suffrage
99. Finally, I would like to deal with two issues of general concern －constitutional development and governance. Promoting democracy is a constitutional responsibility vested in the Chief Executive of the HKSAR under the Basic Law. It is my responsibility to take Hong Kong towards universal suffrage.
100. During my election campaign, I have undertaken to launch a public consultation exercise on the implementation of universal suffrage after the inauguration of the new HKSAR Government. I have made good on my electoral promise: the Third Term HKSAR Government published the Green Paper on Constitutional Development 11 days after its inauguration. This is the first time that wide-ranging discussion on the models, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage for electing the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council has been initiated within the community.
101. The three-month public consultation period ends today. During the consultation period, the Government received thousands of submissions and proposals on the issues from different sectors and strata of the community. These views have expressed thoroughly the community's pluralistic aspirations on democratic development. I am particularly moved and encouraged by the fact that the entire consultation has been conducted in a rational and pragmatic manner. Hong Kong people treasure democracy and hope to implement universal suffrage as soon as possible. However, they are well aware that implementing universal suffrage is a complicated social exercise. When and how to implement universal suffrage will have far reaching implications on Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. We must seriously consider and thoroughly study the issues rationally and pragmatically. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those organisations and individuals who put forward their views. I would also like to thank those who did not submit views but have shown their concern and support for the consultation exercise. Our next step is to collate and summarise the views received. On this basis, we will submit a report to the Central Authorities, reflecting faithfully the community's views on democratic development. Let me reiterate that I will try my utmost to forge a consensus on the implementation of universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law within the Third Term of the HKSAR Government. I will also strive to secure the Central Authorities' trust and understanding for its early implementation.
