G.F. 316
D.
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13
present
plain that there is a strong trend in public
opinion in favour
the of developing
system to include a directly elected element at
the central level of government and doing so well
before 1997.
20.
Those who favoured
the question of whether a directly elected
element should be introduced in 1988 opinion was,
however, sharply divided.
introduction in 1988 argued that direct elections were
important for the development of more open, accountable
and representative government and should therefore
introduced as early as possible.
be
Those against argued
that introduction in 1988 was too soon either because
it could endanger stability and continuity, coming
within three years of the last major reorganization, or
because the system of elections to be used after
had not yet been established in the Basic Law due to be
promulgated in 1990.
1997
21.
Among submissions to the Survey Office from
individuals, groups and associations, more were against
than in favour of the introduction of direct elections
The two public opinion surveys commissioned
in 1988.
favour
of direct elections
Other
in 1988.
by the Survey Office produced a similar result.
in particular public opinion surveys and signature campaigns were
(generally) in
Opinions among Legislative Councillors, Municipal
Councillors and District Board members differed widely.
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