Key points of Governor's proposals for the 1995 LegCo elections: voting age to be reduced from 21 to 18; single seat, single vote for 20 geographical consistencies; greatly expanded electorate for the 30 functional constituencies, to embrace everyone in the workforce; members of the Election Committee required to elect 10 members of LegCo to be themselves elected (eg the Committee could draw all or most of its membership from the directly-elected District Board members); an independent Boundary and Election Commission to
be set up.
This package would ensure that all representative
institutions in Hong Kong are formed through broadly-based fair and open elections.
- In due course Governor needs to put draft legislation to
LegCo. Formal publication of the draft legislation is just the first step. Will then be for LegCo to strike balance reflecting views of the community.
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We and the Governor have said we will accept LegCo's judgement, provided it is compatible with our international obligations (eg the Joint Declaration).
Governor has said he is ready to consider alternative proposals providing resulting arrangements would be open, fair and acceptable to Hong Kong people. But cannot let discussion drag on indefinitely. Must start making practical arrangements in 1993 to be ready for local elections due in
1994.
Not the Governor's proposals which are causing difficulties but the unreasonable Chinese reaction to them. Proposals respond to Hong Kong people's aspirations and have been very favourably received there.
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