HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 1 March 1990
香港立法局
————一九九○年三月一日
42
have never been under any illusion that we would be treated any better this time around.
The time has now come to discuss and decide on the electoral system for 1991. Hong Kong has had no experience of direct elections and Hong Kong people have been castigated as apathetic, naive and even stupid where political issues are concerned. But like everything else, only time can tell; within the confines set, Hong Kong is in the enviable position of being able to pick and choose a system that is best for Hong Kong. Our minds are uncluttered and unbiased by experience. In the interest of Hong Kong, we must work hard to construct a truly democratic system that will allow us to continue with our lifestyles and yet be responsive to the changes that must inevitably come.
As a first step, we must be clear in our minds what we want our new system to achieve. Most importantly, should it be highly proportional, an accurate reflection of the diversity of opinions held by the people of Hong Kong? It would be wrong to deny minority groups a voice, especially those minority groups whose interests will not be represented by the functional constituencies. At the same time, all out proportionality must not be pursued at the expense of political cohesion. The representation of too many diverse interests can only result in prevarication, indecision and sometimes pure antagonism. A clear majority works wonders to get legislation through.
Strong links between elected representatives and their constituents must be forged. Hong Kong people must have a channel through which they can express their concerns to Government, and it is indeed desirable that they should be encouraged to do so. Yet it is equally important that this Council should not become a mere stage for local politics that should remain the prerogative of the district boards. Concern with local issues should not be allowed to crowd out the debate on issues that concern the whole of Hong Kong.
The electoral system we adopt must be fair and impartial. The equality of population between constituencies is paramount, and the current gross imbalance of the number of voters between district board constituencies cannot be continued. Each vote cast should be of equal value, and none should be wasted. It is important that an elector who prefers a candidate who is not the runaway favourite should have the incentive to turn up and cast his vote and so increase voter participation. This can be achieved through multi-member constituencies or transferable votes.
There are three more issues with which we should concern ourselves. Firstly, we should acknowledge the vital role played by political parties in a modern democracy in articulating policies and providing representatives for the
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