would have to ask the Chinese to consult us on the draft text if we
were expected to converge with it. We would want both the composition and constitution of this Election Committee to
be different from that for the Chief Executive laid down in the
draft Basic Law. For example, Hong Kong members of the National
People's Congress who have a role in selection of a Chief Executive
accountable to the Central People's Government, but not in the election of the SAR legislature, should be excluded. We would also need to reiterate the importance of an Election Committee which is fully representative and adopts open procedures.
SEPARATE VOTE COUNTING
7. The BLDC sub-group meeting on 17-20 January, according to press reports, agreed to add a Basic Law provision as follows:
"Unless otherwise specified by this law, all bills and motions introduced to the Legislative Council of the HKSAR shall be passed by a simple majority of members elected by functional constituencies and by a simple majority of members returned by direct election and the Election Committee attending the meeting. If a bill proposed by the Government fail to be passed by a simple majority of either of the above two categories of members attending the meeting, the Government shall amend the bill and re-submit it to the Legislative Council for voting; such bills shall be passed with a simple majority of all the members attending the meeting."
8. Li Hou commented that the separate voting arrangements were aimed at ensuring stability. We believe this idea has its roots in a proposal for a bicameral legislature put forward by a pro-China Hong Kong grouping in late 1989. That model provided for two
separate chambers: one of functional seats, and one of elected seats (both directly and by Electoral College). Bills would require a majority in each chamber (therefore only 26% of overall votes if they are all from one chamber ie. 16 seats in either chamber with the present numbers, will be needed to defeat a motion). The Chinese seem to believe that this arrangement will prevent radicals from pursuing anti-China or free-lunch bills through the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.