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1995 Legislative Council Elections
If the Legislative Council elected in 1995 is to survive beyond 1997 its composition needs to be consistent with the Basic Law, the constitutional blueprint for Hong Kong after 1997. The relevant passage in the Basic Law, setting out the composition of LegCo in 1997, is attached. HMG are committed to seeking more directly-elected seats in the 1995 elections than currently provided for in the Basic Law's provisions for LegCo in 1995. An increase on the number of these seats would require a change in the Basic Law, if there was to be continuity. The Chinese are opposed to such a change. Governor's proposals are therefore intended to broaden democracy in Hong Kong in ways that do not require changes in
the Basic Law.
The
Boundary and Election Commission
An independent and statutory Boundary and Elections Commission would be established, to be chaired by a High Court
judge and appointed by the Governor. It would oversee the conduct of elections but would not make policy decisions on electoral matters (eg number of constituencies, voting
system etc).
Voting Age
Voting age would be reduced from 21 to 18 years (it is
already 18 in China).
Voting system for geographical constituencies
The Governor proposes a single seat, single vote, first-past-the-post system, which is familiar in Hong Kong
from local council elections.
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