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System of representative government has been developed over
recent years.
1982 saw the first district elections to District
Boards, based on a broad franchise. 1983 saw expansion of Urban
Council to 30 members, half of whom were elected from district
constituencies on same broad franchise as District Boards.
Following public consu71tation in 1984, indirect elections to
LegCo introduced in 1985.
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Comprehensive review of public opinion on (constitutional)
developments in representative government took place in 1987 (as
promised in 1984).
Review generated considerable public interest: a healthy sign.
Survey Office's work was fair and objective. Sounding of public
opinion took many forms. Not based on isolated polls or surveys.
Care taken to obtain representative overall picture. Conclusions:
most people wanted a directly elected element in legislature, but
opinion was sharply divided over timing of this step..
Decided on balance would be right to introduce directly elected
element in 1991. Took account of wishes of community as a whole,
Hong Kong's circumstances. Decision widely welcomed as significant
step forward.
Since we began developing representative government, enormous changes have taken place (Role of LegCo. Quality of debates.
Increased political awareness in Hong Kong. Greater interest in
community issues etc).
Scope for further constitutional changes in 1995 (mention that
Chinese are willing to permit those LegCo members elected in 1995 to
continue to serve across the change of sovereignty in 1997).
Good prospect of smooth and steady evolution of representative
government after 1997.