Since then, our negotiators have been grappling with the nitty gritty of electoral issues. But the underlying question is very simple. Will we leave Hong Kong with an open and democratic system offering Hong Kong people a genuine choice
and capable of holding the Executive to account? Or will we
settle for a system based on small electorates open to
manipulation and corruption?
The answer to that question matters to everyone in Hong Kong, because it affects fundamentally the character of Hong
Kong.
If
Hong Kong has prospered thanks, in large measure, to its rule of law supported by a clean and efficient government. that precious asset is to be preserved, then it is essential that the elections to the Legislative Council should be open, fair an acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. This is the body, after all which makes the laws, approves the budget and controls public expenditure. It plays a central role in Hong Kong's way of life. An elected and credible legislature is an essential buttress to the rule of law. That is not a point which applies only to Hong Kong. Only recently, 42 Law
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Ministers from countries throughout the Commonwealth declared
that ...just and honest government and the rule of law were
best assured by processes of government which are manifestly
open and accountable - from electoral systems to individual government decision-making".
We have made a determined effort in 17 Rounds of talks
with China to reach agreement. I flew to Peking to see my Chinese counterpart, Mr Qian Qichen, in July, and met him again in New York in September. John Major has written to the
Chinese Premier. We have not stood obstinately on our
original proposals, but have offered major moves to try to take account of China's views - without compromising on our
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