TNAG-1727-FCO40-2440-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 232

2

endorsed.

The White Paper can be described as a well-balanced and down-to-earth report on the evolution of the system of government in

Hong Kong.

In the development of Hong Kong's political system, China, Britain and Hong Kong share a common interest in the political and economic aspects. A gradual evolution will be widely welcomed as a What Hong Kong cautious move and thus enhance people's confidence. needs now is a "rational mainstream" to bring things in conformity with reason. The adoption of direct elections is a historical decision and the White Paper has chosen to implement direct elections in 1991 after taking into account the actual situation during the transition period. With direct elections being introduced in 1991 and if future development meets the aspiration of the public and is within the provisions of the Basic Law, the issue of smooth transition and smooth transfer which have caused so much public concern will be easily resolved. Although the White Paper has clearly stated that direct elections will be introduced in 1991, the methods and details of the election system itself have not yet been clearly defined. The onus is with the Government to promptly work out the detailed arrangements for the conduct of direct elections in 1991 and to elucidate its methods of introduction so as to ensure that directly elected candidates can be returned under a fully democratic system. Consideration should also be given by the Government to increase the number of directly elected seats by phases after 1991 and to strengthen its efforts in grooming potential candidates to participate in Government and political

།ཡན་ affairs. From now till 1991, we have 3 full years to become acquainted with the concept of 'direct elecltions' and to look for the right candiates to fill the seats. With the accumulation of knowledge, it is only natural that we can make a good choice and exercise the right of election appropriately. Only in this way can the real meaning of direct elections be brought into full play.