TNAG-1719-FCO40-2399-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 58

1

!

DELREIMAGE MUINI PUJE NUT

11

www

C

!

The new

arrangements in the

White Paper

represent a rationalisation of the three tier structure by providing for representatives of District Boards to be elected to the Municipal Councils, and for representatives of the Municipal Councils to be elected to the Legislative Council. The present district-based electoral college

seats

the Legislative Council will, in 1991,

replaced by directly elected seats.

This change from

be

from the system of indirect to direct elections based on geographical constituencies is a natural and progressive development. It is a major step forward towards a more democratic system. For the first time, electors in district board constituencies will vote their own candidate into the central council of Government.

is

It is against this background that the suggestion to retain the geographical electoral college, seats has been considered. But, there

little

advantage, and possible disadvantage, in having members elected on a geographical basis by both direct and indirect methods in the central council of Government. The abolition of geographical electoral college seats in no way affects the role and importance of District

Boards. The

The White .. Paper contains commitments to

strengthening their advisory

advisory rale

rale and to Increase

21'A

1

MH SID 21121 98, AT NUN

!