ENG-2000 — Page 43

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

expanded. The Culture and Heritage Commission, established in April, advises the Government on the formulation of overall cultural policies and on broad funding priorities for arts and culture. The new structure will strengthen professional and community input and help to ensure effective use of resources.

The Electoral System

Electoral System for the Legislative Council

In accordance with the Basic Law, the Legislative Council of the HKSAR is constituted by elections, and the method for its formation is to be specified in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress.

The composition of the first three terms of the Legislative Council as set out in the Basic Law is as follows:-

Membership

(a) elected by

geographical

constituencies through

direct elections

First term (1998-2000)

Second term (2000-2004)

Third term (2004–2008)

20

24

30

(b) elected by functional

30

30

constituencies

(c) elected by an election

committee

10

6

1

8118

60

30

60

60

The second term Legislative Council election was held smoothly on September 10, 2000. A total of 155 validly nominated candidates contested the 60 Legislative Council seats. Over 1.33 million registered electors cast their votes on the polling day, representing a turnout rate of 43.6 per cent. The election was conducted fairly, openly and honestly under the supervision of the Electoral Affairs Commission. The HKSAR Government conducted a large-scale publicity campaign before the election to encourage registered electors to come out to vote on the election day.

The Basic Law provides that changes to the method for the formation of the Legislative Council after 2007 may be made by a two-thirds majority of all members of the Legislative Council and with the consent of the Chief Executive. Any such changes are to be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record. The Basic Law also provides that the ultimate aim is the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage.

(a) Geographical Constituency

Geographical constituency elections are held on the basis of universal suffrage. All eligible persons aged 18 or above have the right to be registered as electors and to vote in the elections. The HKSAR Government conducted a large-scale voter

HONG KONG PUBLIC LIBRARIES

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