SCMA briefs Hong Kong deputies to NPC and Hong Kong members of CPPCC on improving electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos)

     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, this afternoon (April 8) chaired two briefing sessions to brief Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the background, principles and main contents of the improvements to the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This was the second round of briefing sessions of the same series hosted for Hong Kong deputies to the NPC and Hong Kong members of the CPPCC since last Wednesday.
 
     Mr Tsang began by elaborating on the background and aims of improving the electoral system. He pointed out that the purpose of improving the electoral system of the HKSAR is to plug the loopholes and improve the deficiencies in the electoral system, and develop a democratic system that suits Hong Kong's actual situation, meets the requirements for the implementation of "one country, two systems", and manifests the characteristics of Hong Kong, so as to ensure the comprehensive implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and enhance the governance efficacies of the HKSAR Government thereby achieving good governance, allowing Hong Kong to develop the economy, improve people's livelihood and resolve various deep-seated problems with a view to ensuring the continued success of the "one country, two systems" and maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Tsang explained that one of the core improvements to the electoral system is to increase the number of members, enhance the composition of the Election Committee (EC) and empower the EC with new functions. With its membership enlarged from 1 200 to 1 500, the EC will include a new Fifth Sector comprising the Hong Kong deputies to the NPC, Hong Kong members of the CPPCC and Hong Kong members of the relevant national organisations. Under the revised electoral system, not only will they be able to nominate Legislative Council (LegCo) Members but will return a LegCo seat in the new functional constituency.

     The attendees had fruitful exchanges and interactions with Mr Tsang at the briefing sessions during which they expressed their staunch support in the work of improving the electoral system. They also had in-depth conversations regarding various details of the electoral system and gave valuable and constructive feedbacks to the Government. 
 
     Noting the active participation of the attendees in national organisations, Mr Tsang said that with their comprehensive understanding of the national affairs, they have important roles to play in the EC in strengthening the elements of the country and integrating the national interests with Hong Kong's well-being.
 
     He hoped that all attendees would fully support and complement the work of improving the electoral system, and even after the conclusion of the work and in the course of governance in the forthcoming years, to continue to play active roles in supporting the Government to implement executive-led governance and policies to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood.