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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It would run the risk of dictatorship.
Elitist politics with powers not directly conferred by the people and therefore not subject to public supervision may easily be manipulated and made use of by 'political careerists' in furtherance of their totalitarian aims. So, indirect elections will cause suffering to the people of Hong Kong.
The merits of the existing system cannot be preserved.
Though the existing system is not democratic, it works well under the framework of British democracy and regulation of the Letter Patent and the Royal Instructions. After 1997 when Hong Kong will no longer be controlled by Britain, how would the merits of the present system be preserved?
(3) The arguments against direct elections are not convincing.
1. Political ignorance and incompetence of Hong Kong people.
2.
3.
The political ignorance and apathy of the people are the results of colonial administration which is inaccessible to them. The government is to be blamed. Now time and circumstances have changed and many have awakened and taken a keen interest in local politics. In fact, political leaders abound in Hong Kong. It is an insult to the people of Hong Kong to regard them as politically incompetent and incapable of responding to direct elections.
Political parties causing social disorder.
Maintenance of prosperity and stability in Hong Kong depends on the rule of law. Election activities are subject to the law and will not be allowed to cause any public disorder, or the candidates will be prosecuted and boycotted by the voters. Hong Kong has already had years of experience in direct elections and the presence of political parties has never given rise to any social disorder which adversely affects our prosperity. Moreover, organizations entering the political scene have to present platforms championing the interests of the society as a whole before they can win the trust and support of the people. A system that over-protects the interests of the financial circles and the professionals in disregard of the views and interests of the middle and lower classes will indeed sow the seeds of social discontent and give cause for demonstrations and petitions. Party politics will not bring about social instability, but, on the contrary, may serve as a stabilizing factor. Democracy by the vote is a safeguard for the community as a whole, and an effective way to protect the rights of all classes.
The Chinese Government not in favour of direct elections.
This is completely unfounded. The representative government as proposed in the Green Paper is the internal business of the Hong Kong Government. Chinese leaders have on many occasions reiterated that China will not interfere in the internal administration of Hong Kong in the next 13 years. So far as I understand, the Chinese Government has not objected to the democratization of Hong Kong. If the Legislative Assembly of Macau, where the political situation is largely similar to that of Hong Kong, may have its members directly elected, why not Hong Kong?
4. 'Free lunch' representatives harming Hong Kong's economy.
Some are of the opinion that once the grassroots representatives gain entry into the Legislative Council, they will concern themselves only with the welfare of the lower classes, for example, the provision of 'free lunch', and not be interested in boosting taxation. This is nothing but class antagonism. As a matter of fact, to gain seats in the Legislative Council, the grassroots representatives must have the support of the masses. They have to discard the narrow-minded class concept and look after the interests of all in order to be successful in their political career. On the other hand, there will also be members by indirect elections and appointment in the Legislative Council to maintain a balance of opinions. It is perhaps the privileged class clinging to their powers who really enjoy 'free lunches' or even 'free dinners'.
5. Too late to review the position in 1989.
The Green Paper proposes to defer consideration of the possibility of direct elections to 1989. It will be too late. If by then direct elections are considered acceptable, there will be only 8 years before 1997 and therefore only two elections may be held, which will be insufficient for the people to learn about direct elections and may possibly give rise to confusion. It is regrettable that the Government seems to be lacking in sincerity in considering the introduction of direct elections as reflected by the time-schedule for review.
(4) Indirect elections.
1. Strengthening of the three-tier system.
The geographical constituencies, i.e., the Urban Council, the New Territories Regional Council, and the District Boards, should each form their own electoral college to elect their own representatives to the Legislative Council to ensure that all three groups have representation in and close links with the Legislative Council.
2. Only elected councillors eligible for election.
To make the Legislative Council more representative and authoritative, more directly accountable to the people and subject to the supervision of the voters, only the elected councillors should be eligible for election. The appointed councillors only take orders from the Government and are not representative of the grassroots. If they are elected members of the Legislative Council, they will be in an awkward position, not having the full authority to represent the people, nor being directly accountable to them.
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