Statement by ExCo Non-official Members in response to approval by Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of amended Annex I and Annex II to Basic Law

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
 
     The Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (March 30) issued the following statement:
 
     The ExCo Non-official Members strongly support and warmly welcome the approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures. The ExCo Non-official Members believe that the amendments will plug the loopholes in Hong Kong's electoral system, address the chaos seen in the past few years and thereby get Hong Kong back on the right track of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".

     The ExCo Non-official Members hope that with the improved electoral system, society will be able to move away from the excessive politicisation and the internal rift that have plagued Hong Kong in recent years and focus again on developing the economy and improving the livelihood of our citizens, which will be conducive to the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.

      The ExCo Non-official Members will render their full support to and co-operate with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in enacting the relevant local legislation to ensure that the improvements to the electoral system can be put into effect as soon as possible.