TNAG-2726-FCO40-3932-Hong-Kong-opinion-polls-on-constitutional-development-1993 — Page 8

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A SOLID BEDROCK

5.

not

This community commitment to democratic reform is

a short-run polling phenomenon. It has remained firm

over the last eighteen months, despite intense CPG criticism

of HKG and high-profile warnings to the community. Opinion

polls over a long period demonstrate that a clear majority

refuses to abandon its principles, thus indicating the solid

bedrock of support on which the 1992 constitutional package

rests. For example,

SCMP Poll, 21 June 1992

(a) 66 per cent believed that HKG should introduce

more democracy, even at the risk of

confronting China.

HKS Poll, 10/12 April

(b)

78 per cent rejected the suggestion that Hong

Kong ought to abandon the quest for democracy

if there were a risk to the territory's

prosperity in the run up to 1997.

}

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6.

commitment

5.

SUPPORTING HKG'S ROLE

Opinion polls demonstrate that the

community's

to

"democratisation"

is part of a much broader

bedrock of support for HKG's role in defending the Hong Kong

way of life.

This feature has been very evident in the

public's responses to the 1993 Policy Address:

HKU/TVB Poll, 6 October

(a) 72 per cent were

Address in general.

PBR Poll, 7/8 October

7.

(b)

satisfied with the Policy

majorities expressed satisfaction

Substantial

with the major

Policy Address.

Opinion

initiatives set out in the

STICK TO YOUR GUNS

polls

demonstrate significant public

original 1992 constitutional package, both

support for the

generally and for its key elements:

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City Polytechnic Pol1, 26 September 3 October

52 per cent said that any retreat from the

1992 constitutional package would weaken their

confidence in Hong Kong's future.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES

8.

rating

Opinion

polls

demonstrate a high approval

for the 1992 proposals оп functional

constituencies:

HKU Poll, 23/24 September

(a) 59 per cent of respondents approved the 1992

proposals (with 15 per cent against).

City Polytechnic Pol1, 26 September

G

3 October

(b)

A remarkable 79 per

cent approved the 1992

proposals.