31.
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First, I wish to see the voting age reduced from 21 to 18. 18 is regarded in China and in Britain, and in countries right across the world, as a sensible voting age. Young men and women in Hong Kong are just as able to exercise their judgement as citizens as their age
group elsewhere.
32.
Turning next to the voting system for
geographical constituencies, I believe this should aim to be clear and equitable and to command the confidence of voters. The 1991 system of double member constituencies has been criticised because of what is called the "coat tail" effect. To avoid this problem while preserving a straightforward system, the best option in my view is to give each elector a single vote for a single directly
This method is elected representative in a single seat. well known from Municipal Council and District Board
elections.
33.
Third, we need to look both at the existing 21 functional constituencies and at the nine new ones which
We should have two aims in this are to be created.
exercise.
We need to deal with some of the criticisms
that have been levelled at the existing functional
constituencies by giving them a broader electorate and
therefore a broader base of support.
In addition, the
whole system of functional constituencies will gain
inestimably in credibility if we can show that every
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