attitudes were no doubt also influenced by the feeling that China would be opposed to the introduction of an elected
system; and by the desire not to upset the delicate balance which permitted Hong Kong to continue to exist as an enclave
on the coast of China.
3. For all these reasons, there were considerable
reservations within the community as a whole about the idea of election-based representative government. Instead the
Hong Kong Government sought consensus through an extensive
network of consultation boards and committees (now over
400), which enable members of the public to give their advice on all areas of government activity. This system served Hong Kong very well for many years. population became increasingly settled and sophisticated,
care was taken to ensure that the system evolved in a way that met the requirements and aspirations of Hong Kong people, while maintaining stability, effective administration and economic prosperity.
4.
But as the
The introduction of elected representatives into the institutions of government began in effect in the early
1970s, when direct elections on a limited franchise were
introduced for half the membership of the Urban Council (the statutory council with responsibilities for the provisions
of municipal services to inhabitants of the main urban areas
of Hong Kong). In 1982 District Boards were established on
a territory-wide base to serve as a forum for public
consultation and participation in administration at the district level. In 1986 the Regional Council was established as the statutory authority with responsibility for the area outside the jurisdiction of the Urban Council. Elections to the Urban Council (since 1981), Regional Council and District Boards now take place on a
geographical constituency basis, with a broad franchise embracing all residents who are 21 years of age or over and have lived in Hong Kong for 7 years or more.
WINADY/2