WHY NOT 100% DIRECT ELECTIONS NOW?
Two reasons: firstly majority of Hong Kong people do not
want this.
It would represent too sudden and drastic a
change.
Secondly, clear that Chinese Government would not be prepared to continue those arrangements after 1997. No point in developing one set of arrangements for legislature which will be replaced by another after 7 years. stability particularly in coming years.
Hong Kong needs.
WHY NO DEMOCRACY BEFORE?
Hong Kong historically suffered series of convulsions
large influx of refugees in 50s, Cultural Revolution in 60s
and 70s. Fear of importing politics of Chinese Civil War
into Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong people themselves cautious about all out
democracy even now. Successive British Governments have
judged on this basis.
However, introduction of elected representatives into
institutions of government began in early 70s.
District
Boards, Regional Council and Urban Council now have elections
on geographical constituency basis.
We are now developing direct elections to legislature.
DENAAQ (3)