CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
In accordance with the Basic Law, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR is selected by election or through consultations held locally and appointed by the Central People's Government (CPG). The Basic Law provides that the method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress.
The present Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, was elected for a second term in 2002 by an 800-member Election Committee which is broadly representative of different sectors in the community. Mr Tung assumed office on July 1, 2002, for a five-year term.
The System of Government
Executive Council
The Executive Council is an organ for assisting the Chief Executive in policy-making. Under Article 56 of the Basic Law, except for the appointment, removal and disciplining of officials and the adoption of measures in emergencies, the Chief Executive shall consult the Executive Council before making important policy decisions, introducing bills into the Legislative Council, making subordinate legislation, or dissolving the Legislative Council. The Chief Executive in Council also determines appeals, petitions and objections under those ordinances which confer a statutory right of appeal. If the Chief Executive does not accept a majority opinion of the Executive Council, he shall put the specific reasons on record.
The Executive Council has 19 members. As provided for in Article 55 of the Basic Law, Members of the Executive Council are appointed by the Chief Executive from among the Principal Officials of the executive authorities, Members of the Legislative Council and public figures. They are Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the HKSAR with no right of abode in any foreign country. With the implementation of the Accountability System for Principal Officials from July 1, 2002, the membership of the Executive Council now comprises 14 Principal Officials appointed under the Accountability System and five Non-Officials. Their appointment or removal is decided by the Chief Executive. The term of office of Members of the Executive Council shall not extend beyond the expiry of the term of office of the Chief Executive who appoints them.
The Executive Council normally meets once a week, and its proceedings are confidential, although many of its decisions are made public. The Chief Executive presides at its meetings. During the year, the Executive Council held a total of 35 meetings.
Legislative Council
Powers and Functions
As provided for in Article 73 of the Basic Law, the Legislative Council of the HKSAR exercises the following powers and functions:
1. To enact, amend or repeal laws in accordance with the provisions of the Basic
Law and legal procedures;
2. To examine and approve budgets introduced by the Government;
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3. To approve taxation and public expenditure;
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