TNAG-1351-FCO40-1792-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 45

Explanatory Memorandum

The object of this Bill is to provide for the

indirect election of Members to the Legislative Council and

to give effect to the proposals contained in the White

Paper entitled the "Further Development of Representative

Government in Hong Kong" which was published and laid

before the Legislative Council in November 1984. In order

to be consistent with existing electoral law, this Bill is

broadly similar to the Urban Council Ordinance, the

District Boards Ordinance and the Electoral Provisions

Ordinance.

2. Part I (clauses 1 and 2) of the Bill contains the

short title and interpretation clause.

3. Part II (clauses 3 to 11) deals with the holding

of elections, the establishment of electoral college

constitutencies and functional constituencies and general

provisions for the election of Members including the

filling of casual vacancies.

4. Clause 3 provides for elections in 1985 and

Clause 4 identifies the

every 3

thereafter. years

electoral college constituencies and functional

constituencies respectively by reference to the First

and Second Schedules. Clause 5 provides for the tenure of

office of elected Members and eligibility for re-election.

Clause 6 provides that an elected Member must give notice

to the Governor of his acceptance of office within 30 days

of his election and that if he fails to do so he will cease

to hold office. Clause 7 provides for notice of