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G.F. 316
6
9.
as
a
The
disadvantages
consequence
are,
of
course,
that
the work done by the BEC would be abortive.
We could thus be criticized for
engage in abortive work.
knowingly letting the BEC
Option (B) : Amend the BEC Ordinance
10.
Under this option (which we have previously
considered necessary), we could introduce a simple legislative
amendment to the BEC Ordinance to defer the deadline for
submission of recommendations by BEC on the MC 'constituency
to 30 April
boundaries from 31 December 1993
[Consequentially,
1994.
we would also amend the Electoral Provisions
(Registration of Electors) Regulations so that the provisional
voter register (published by 22 June 1994) for the MC will not
need to show details of the electors' MC constituencies.]
11.
This option would avoid the disadvantages described
in para. 9 above. On the other hand, although the legislative
amendment is technically simple, it will nonetheless be
politically
votes
controversial.
in Legco to have
a difficult debate in the
We will probably secure enough
it passed, but there will be
process about deadlines for the
talks and where we are heading. As a consequence, the Chinese
may well also react negatively (see para. 12 below).
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