Constitution and Administration 13
Timetable for Universal Suffrage and Amendments to Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive and Forming the Legislative Council in 2012
There is now a clear timetable for attaining universal suffrage in Hong Kong. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) promulgated a decision on December 29, 2007 making it clear that the Chief Executive may be elected by universal suffrage in 2017 and that the Legislative Council may be formed by universal suffrage in 2020. The NPCSC has made a positive response to the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. As reflected in opinion polls conducted by universities, the NPCSC decision was well received by the community. The NPCSC decision has also determined that appropriate amendments conforming to the principle of gradual and orderly progress may be made to the two electoral methods in 2012.
Hong Kong took a critical step forward in moving towards universal suffrage in its constitutional development in the summer of 2010. The proposed package for the 2012 elections put forth by the HKSAR Government was passed by a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council, given consent by the Chief Executive and endorsed by the NPCSC.
For the first time since the establishment of the HKSAR, Hong Kong has managed to complete the 'five-step mechanism'3 as set out in the Basic Law and the 'Interpretation by the NPCSC of Article 7 of Annex I and Article III of Annex II to the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC of April 2004' to amend the electoral methods. for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council. This will give the Hong Kong community greater confidence in and a stronger basis for forging consensus on constitutional development in future and pave the way for implementing universal suffrage for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council in 2017 and 2020 respectively. To take forward this package, the HKSAR Government has presented the proposed amendments to the local legislation for consideration by the Legislative Council.
Electoral System for the District Councils
Eighteen District Councils were established in the HKSAR to advise the Government on district affairs and to promote recreational and cultural activities, and environmental improvements within the districts. A District Council is composed of elected members, appointed members, and, in the case of District Councils in rural areas, the chairmen of rural committees as ex officio members. The simple
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The Chief Executive shall make a report to the NPCSC as to whether there is a need to amend the two electoral methods;
A determination shall be made by the NPCSC that the two electoral methods may be amended;
The motions concerning the (Draft) Amendments to the two electoral methods. shall be put forth by the HKSAR Government to the Legislative Council, and be passed by a two-thirds majority of all Legislative Council Members;
Consent shall be given by the Chief Executive to the (Draft) Amendments endorsed by the Legislative Council; and
The (Draft) Amendments shall be reported by the Chief Executive to the NPCSC for approval or for the record.