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Seminars and Discussion Group

Text Only Version

Regional Forum on Constitutional Development
(Hong Kong Island)
(21 July 2004)

Group Discussion Summaries
Group 2: Mr Hui Tin-fook, David

(Translation)

Method for Selecting the Chief Executive

The Number of Members of the Election Committee

  • The majority of participants supported an increase in the number of members of the Election Committee. A participant proposed to raise it to 1 200, while another proposed 1 600. In overall terms, the majority of participants considered that the number of members should be increased in a gradual and orderly manner. Both the quality and quantity of the new members should be taken into consideration.

The Composition of the Election Committee

  • Some participants suggested that a new subsector for students be added, while some other participants suggested that a women subsector be introduced to reflect the opinion and interests of women.

  • Some participants proposed to include District Council members in the Election Committee because they were representative. Another participant suggested that a subsector for members of Area Committees be added.

The Number of Members Required for Nominating Candidates

  • The majority of participants agreed to maintain the required number of subscribers at 100. This was because if the number of members of the Election Committee were to be increased, this would, in effect, lower the ratio between the total number of Election Committee members and the number required for nominating candidates.

  • Some participants considered that the required number of subscribers could be reduced to 80 so that more candidates could run for the election.

The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of the Election Committee

  • The majority of participants agreed to increase the number of electors in order to enhance the representativeness and legitimacy of the Election Committee.

  • A participant suggested that a new subsector for the public be added to increase the number of electors.

  • A participant was of the view that the election for the Chief Executive should follow the example of that of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Even if there were only one candidate to run for the office of the Chief Executive, a formal election process should still be conducted for the candidate to be elected.

Method for Forming the Legislative Council

The Number of Seats in the Legislative Council

  • The majority of participants agreed that the number of seats of the Legislative Council should remain unchanged. A participant was of the view that the more Members, the more time required for delivering speeches which was a waste of time. Another participant considered that the efficiency would be adversely affected if there were too many Legislative Council Members.

  • A participant proposed to add ten seats for geographical constituencies and functional constituencies respectively, making the total number of seats to 80.

The Number of Seats Returned by Functional Constituencies

  • The majority of participants took the view that the number of seats returned by functional constituencies should not be increased. Some participants commented that many Members returned by functional constituencies did not speak at the Legislation Council meetings. However, a participant disagreed saying that Members did make best endeavors to reflect the views of their respective constituencies.

The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of Legislative Council Functional Constituencies

  • Participants agreed that the number of electors should be increased.

  • A participant considered that, for some functional constituencies, individuals or organizations were entitled to vote only after they became members of certain business associations. This has affected the representativeness of the respective sectors. He suggested that changes should be made.

  • A participant suggested that, for the accountant constituency, eligible voters should include those who were working in the accounting field and taking professional examinations.

Provisions regarding Nationality of Legislative Council Members

  • The majority of participants agreed to maintain the current provision of allowing some Legislative Council Members to have foreign nationality.

  • A participant proposed that in order to encourage participation, candidates should be allowed to give up their foreign nationality only after being elected.

  • A participant took the view that Legislative Council Members should give up their foreign nationality.

Others

  • A participant proposed that Members of the Executive Council could also serve as Members of the Legislative Council.

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