Policy Address

E. Democracy and Governance

Constitutional Development

112.       After deliberating on my report, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) decided in December 2007 that Hong Kong may implement universal suffrage for electing the Chief Executive in 2017 and for electing all Members of the Legislative Council in 2020. The decision also stipulated the requirements for amending both the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council elections in 2012. Not only has the NPCSC's decision set a clear timetable, it has also established a clear direction for the future constitutional development of Hong Kong. The NPCSC's decision is the constitutional requirement which we must comply with in handling the issue of Hong Kong's future constitutional development. I believe that different sectors of the community would concur with this.

113.       In accordance with the NPCSC's decision in 2007, the current-term Government is required to put forth amendments to the electoral methods for electing the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council in 2012. We plan to commence extensive public consultations on this issue next month. We will listen closely to the views of different sectors of the community with an accommodating and open attitude. On this basis, we will put forth the relevant motions to the Legislative Council. We hope that the final version of the motions would be passed by a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Council, so as to roll forward the democratic development of Hong Kong's constitutional arrangements.

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