Arrangements for the last cycle of elections in Hong Kong
under British sovereignty in 1994 and 1995 cannot be
considered in isolation. They form part of a long process of
gradual development in Hong Kong's system of representative government. The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, and China's Basic Law for Hong Kong which will come into force on
1 July 1997, between them set the pace for democratic development in Hong Kong. They also establish that Hong Kong will retain its own, capitalist way of life after 1997, under
the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong
run by Hong Kong people".
1997,
The wishes of the people of Hong Kong are a crucial factor.
There has been a steadily growing demand, given added impetus (the events
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CM 1989)
by Tiananmen Square for Hong Kong people to have more say in
the running of their own affairs. The first part of this
White Paper summarises these developments. It also addresses a question I am often asked: why did Britain not introduce democracy to Hong Kong much earlier? They short answer is that for many years the community had other priorities, that
there was a deep-seated concern that the introduction of
politics could lead to open clashes between nationalists and
communists, and that this could lead China to invoke its claim
to sovereignty over Hong Kong. Her Majesty's Government, and
through them the Governor, were of course accountable to
Parliament for the administration of the territory throughout this period.
A gradual development of democracy has however been under way
since 1984. The question which confronted the new Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, on his arrival in mid-1992 was how to
reconcile the clear wish in the community for further movement
towards democracy, with the equally strong interest in
legislative arrangements which were capable of enduring beyond
1997, thus providing an important element of continuity.
statememt26.8/BRIEFS/NJH
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