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In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman made the following response today (January 25) to the Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union (EU) on universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
"The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) made the Decision on December 29, 2007, to make clear the timetable for attaining universal suffrage. According to the Decision, the Chief Executive may be elected by universal suffrage in 2017 and, after the Chief Executive has been elected by universal suffrage, all members of the Legislative Council may be elected by universal suffrage in 2020. This carries most important significance for Hong Kong's constitutional development.
The Decision also provides that appropriate amendments may be made to the two electoral methods for 2012.
The NPCSC's Decision is constitutional and consistent with the Basic Law. As reflected in opinion polls, the Decision is well received by the community. According to the poll conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong in January, over 70% of the public accept the NPCSC's Decision.
The HKSAR Government is fully committed to the implementation of universal suffrage according to the Basic Law. Now that the universal suffrage timetable has been set, the HKSAR Government will strive to work towards securing consensus within the community on how to further democratise the two electoral methods for 2012, so as to pave the way for attaining universal suffrage for the Chief Executive in 2017 and for the Legislative Council in 2020.
The implementation of universal suffrage according to the Basic Law is part of our internal affairs. This is a matter for the HKSAR and the Central Authorities to deal with according to the Basic Law. We hope and believe that foreign governments will continue to respect this principle."
Ends/Friday, January 25, 2008
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