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In response to the processions and public meetings today (April 6), a Government spokesman said that under "One Country, Two Systems", the HKSAR must comply with the provisions of the Basic Law. Conducting a so-called "five geographical constituencies referendum" on the issue of constitutional development is not consistent with the provisions relating to amendments to the electoral methods for the Chief Executive (CE) and the Legislative Council (LegCo) in the Basic Law and the interpretation and decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC).
"The Basic Law does not provide for any 'referendum' mechanism. As a local administrative region of the People's Republic of China, the HKSAR has no authority to determine or change its political structure on its own, or to create a 'referendum' mechanism. Conducting any form of so-called 'referendum' in Hong Kong will have no legal basis or effect whatsoever, and will not be recognised by the HKSAR Government," said the spokesman.
"We also note that Hong Kong people generally do not approve of the so-called 'five geographical constituencies referendum'. The recent discussions on constitutional development have taken a more rational and pragmatic course, which will help promote positive interaction within the community and will be conducive to Hong Kong moving towards further democratisation. On the contrary, the so-called 'five geographical constituencies referendum' will only divide our society and create new obstacles to rolling forward Hong Kong's constitutional development. It will not be conducive to forging consensus within the community."
"In order to roll forward Hong Kong's constitutional development and to amend the two electoral methods for 2012, we must act in accordance with the procedures as stipulated in the Basic Law and secure consensus among the three parties concerned, i.e. the proposals put forth by the HKSAR Government must obtain the support of a two-thirds majority of all LegCo Members, consent of the CE and endorsement of the NPCSC. The procedures for amending the two electoral methods for 2012 will not be affected by the results of the LegCo by-election."
Ends/Tuesday, April 6, 2010
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