20 Facts About Improving the Electoral System in the HKSAR (IV)

Video Series | 20 Facts About Improving the Electoral System in the HKSAR

EP04 How are the opinions of Hong Kong residents reflected in the new electoral system?

In this episode: How are the opinions of Hong Kong residents reflected in the new electoral system?

The Central Authorities have taken into full consideration the opinions of the people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. Both the decision of the NPC and the amendment process concerning the revised electoral system made full reference to and drew on the views of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including a strong public opinion as evidenced by 2.38 million signatures in support of the NPC decision. In three days starting March 15, the relevant departments held 100 symposiums and meetings, with the number of attendants exceeding 1,000, including those of the “pan-democratic” camp. Many of the views of Hong Kong residents have been incorporated into the new electoral system. They include setting up some “safety valves” to provide a reliable institutional safeguard for patriots administering Hong Kong; reforming the Election Committee to ensure the balanced participation of all sectors; eliminating the representation of District Councils, etc. These opinions of Hong Kong residents reflected a consensus for peace after the turmoil the city has endured.

Guangming Insights

Both the decision of the NPC and the amendment process concerning the revised electoral system made full reference to and drew on the views of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including symposiums inviting over 1,000 representatives of the HK society held in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong from February to March and a campaign to gather a strong public opinion as evidenced by 2.38 million signatures in support of the NPC decision, in order to ensure that all opinions from Hong Kong residents are well received.

In out next episode: How to understand that the new electoral system has established a democratic system with Hong Kong characteristics?