HMG'S VIEW ON POST 1997 TIMETABLE SET OUT IN BASIC LAW AND PROVISION
FOR REFERENDA ON UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE IN CURRENT DRAFT?
Believe that most people in Hong Kong welcome firm commitment
in Basic Law to timetable for introduction of direct elections.
But no clear consensus yet on exact timing.
Have impression that many people in Hong Kong would like to dispense with current provision for referenda before universal
suffrage is introduced: this would remove uncertainty about implementation of any agreed timetable.
?
VIEWS ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE?
Draft Basic Law provides that Chief Executive may be ultimately
elected by universal suffrage (in 2012); and before then may be
elected by broadly representative Electoral College. These
arrangements are consistent with Joint Declaration.
Welcome clear provision that universal suffrage IS ultimate
objective. Remains to be seen whether consensus will emerge about
timing of move to universal suffrage.
Believe that many people in Hong Kong understand that might be
desirable to elect first Chief Executive and his immediate
successor(s) on a more limited franchise. But opinion on this still
evolving. OMELCO decision will be relevant.
WHAT KIND OF PROCESS WOULD HMG LIKE TO SEE FOR ELECTION OF FIRST
CHIEF EXECUTIVE? ARE ARRANGEMENTS CURRENTLY ENVISAGED ADEQUATE?
—
fast.
Important that whatever process is adopted should be open and
Electoral college should be seen to be broadly based within
community of Hong Kong.
Many people in Hong Kong have argued that arrangements for election of first Chief Executive should be spelt out in detail in