TNAG-2450-FCO40-3567-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-1992 — Page 136

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Functional Constituencies

Functional Constituencies represent occupational or professional groups. They have in the past had a narrow franchise.

The Governor proposes to expand the electorates of the existing 12 functional constituencies, and to create 9 new functional constituencies on as broad a base as possible:-

Primary Production and Power (electorate of 181,000)

Textile and Garment (275,000)

Other Manufacturing (345,000)

Import/Export (376,000) Wholesale/Retail (288,000)

Hotels and Catering (222,000)

Transport and Communication (164,000)

Financing, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services

(285,000)

Community, Social and Personal Services, including Civil Servants not in other categories (460,000)

This would represent a radical extension of the functional

constituency franchise, and give an electorate of 2.6 million out of the 2.7 million economically active residents (the remaining 100,000 being covered by existing functional constituencies). Each elector would only be able to vote in one functional constituency, as at present.

Election Committee

In order to conform with the Basic Law 10 members of the

Legislative Council will need to be elected by an Election Committee. The Basic Law sets out the composition of the post

cons.devi.govp.PR

JEB

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