TNAG-1716-FCO40-2396-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 74

G.F. 316

SECRET 高度機密

-

13

trend in public

plain that there is a strong trend

opinion in favour of developing the present

system to include a directly elected element at

the central level of government and doing so well

before 1997.

20.

On the question of whether a directly elected

element should be introduced in 1988

1988 opinion

opinion was,

Those who favoured

however, sharply divided.

introduction in 1988 argued that direct elections were

important for the development of more open, accountable

and representative government and should therefore be

introduced as early as possible. Those against argued

that introduction in 1988 was too soon either because

it could endanger stability and continuity, coming

within three years of the last major reorganization, or

because the system of elections to be used after 1997

had not yet been established in the Basic Law due to be

promulgated in 1990.

21.

Office from

Among submissions to the Survey Office

individuals, groups and associations, more were against

than in favour of the introduction of direct elections

in 1988. The two public opinion surveys commissioned

by the Survey Office produced a similar result. Other

public opinion surveys and signature campaigns were

generally in favour of direct elections in 1988.

Opinions among Legislative Councillors, Municipal

Councillors and District Board members differed widely.

SECRET 高度機密