TNAG-2446-FCO40-3562-Political-parties-in-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 35

HONG KONG DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATION

ELECTORAL REFORM PROPOSALS

Introduction

The practical experience offered by the 1991 three-tiered elections has shown that there are a number of areas in our electoral procedures that require improvement and refinement, so as to ensure Hong Kong operates a totally fair electoral system.

In preparing this paper the Hong Kong Democratic Foundation (HKDF) has drawn significantly on the recommendations proposed by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) of the UK. The HKDF sponsored a visit by the ERS in January this year, during which they held consultations with a wide and representative cross-section of Hong Kong opinion.

The recommendations we are making also take into account the objective that, over a period of time, the Hong Kong electoral system should evolve into one that is fully democratic.

1.

Election Commissioner

1.1 The HKDF is strongly in favour of an office of Election

Commissioner (EC) being established, reporting to, but not responsible to, an Electoral Board (EB). Members of the EB should be appointed as individuals by the Legislative Council (LegCo).

1.2 The purpose of an independent EC is to remove the administration of elections from the Government. In a partially democratic system such as has

as has now been established in Hong Kong and one that may well continue to be partially democratic well beyond 1997, there may be suspicions that the Government can in some way manipulate the electoral process if it remains in its control. It is the practice in most countries to have some form of independent EC.

1.3 The terms of reference of the EC would be as recommended

by the ERS Report, which are as follows:

1.3.1 To ensure, so far as is practicable, that all aspects

of the electoral process shall be free from bias, constraint or undue influence.

1.3.2 To promote, so far as is reasonable, the maximum

involvement of the citizens of Hong Kong in all aspects of the electoral process.

to

1.3.3 To draw attention, by all reasonable means,

defects in the electoral processes which inhibit the achievement of the above two objectives.

1.3.4 To advise on operational practicalities and on

possible changes in legislation and regulations.

1.4

The EB would have a monitoring and not a management function. It would also act as the channel of communi- cation between election administration and the politi- cians.

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