Press Releases

Bill to amend Chief Executive Election Ordinance gazetted

The Chief Executive Election (Amendment) (Term of Office of the Chief Executive) Bill ("the Bill") is gazetted in the Government Gazette today (March 24).

A Government spokesman said, "The Bill provides that the term of a new Chief Executive (CE) who fills a vacancy in the office of the CE that arises otherwise than due to expiry of term of office shall last until such expiry."

The office of the CE became vacant on March 12, 2005. Article 53 of the Basic Law provides that a new CE shall be selected within six months for appointment by the Central People's Government to fill the vacancy.

"The Bill will provide a clear legal basis for the term of the new CE. It will be introduced into Legislative Council on April 6, 2005," the spokesman said.

Further information on the Bill is available on the Constitutional Affairs Bureau website (www.info.gov.hk/cab).

Ends/Thursday, March 24, 2005