TNAG-2719-FCO40-3925-Hong-Kong-electoral-provisions-and-arrangements-1993 — Page 78

SECRET

p.a.

Flechons 120

Blue Volume XXXXXVI(13)

For decision on

12 October 1993

Mn when

for further cire, fl

XCX(93)44 Copy No.

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MB

Dr Bunker

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL M

COUNCIL TAL

BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION

UKB oult

17

RECEDED

1903

(AMENDMENT) BILL 1993

17/10

IN.

EGISTRY

Take

THE PROBLEM

The Boundary and Election commission (BEC) is required by law to submit to the Governor, by 31 December 1993, recommendations on the constituency boundaries for the 1995 Municipal Councils (MCs). The law further provides that the recommendations must be on the basis of the number of elected MC seats as currently provided for in legislation. However, we already have proposals, as part of the constitutional package, to increase the number of elected seats for the 1995 MCs. If nothing is done about the statutory deadline for the BEC to submit its recommendations, the BEC would be wasting time on abortive work in the event that a decision is later made to increase the number of elected MC

seats.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

It is recommended that the Boundary and Election Commission (Amendment) Bill 1993 at Annex should be introduced into the Legislative Council.

3

Members will be asked to advise whether this recommendation should be approved.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

Background

4

The Boundary and Election Commission Ordinance stipulates that the BEC must submit, after public consultation (30 days), its recommendations on the Municipal Councils and District Boards (DB)

Executive Council