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In response to the public procession today (January 1), a Government spokesman said the following:
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government fully respects the public's right to take part in processions and their freedom of expression as enshrined in law.
"It is the common aspiration of the Central Authorities, the HKSAR Government and the public at large to implement universal suffrage for the Chief Executive (CE) election in 2017 in strict accordance with the Basic Law. It is also a constitutional responsibility and an important policy objective of the CE and the current term Government.
"The HKSAR Government published the 'Consultation Document on the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive in 2017 and for Forming the Legislative Council in 2016' on December 4 to commence a five-month public consultation.
"The HKSAR Government welcomes the people of Hong Kong and different sectors of the community to express views and suggestions relating to the two electoral method and will summarise and consolidate them faithfully after the consultation period, so as to assist the CE to make a report to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) to commence the constitutional procedures on the constitutional development of Hong Kong. During the consultation period, the three members of the Task Force on Constitutional Development, as well as the other politically appointed officials and relevant civil service officials, will have exchanges with and listen to views from people and organisations from different sectors of the community with an open, accommodating and pragmatic mind.
"The HKSAR Government calls on all sectors of the community to adopt an accommodating, rational and pragmatic approach, as well as an inclusive attitude to express views, narrow differences and forge consensus in order to implement universal suffrage for the CE election in 2017".
Referring to the "voting" undertaken by some community groups today, the spokesman reiterated that there is no such arrangement under the constitutional framework of the HKSAR.
"Any views or proposals to be put forward on the selection of the CE in 2017 by universal suffrage must be in conformity with the Basic Law and relevant Decisions of the NPCSC, stand a reasonable chance of being endorsed by the Legislative Council and be given consent by the CE and approved by the NPCSC and be practicable in terms of implementation," the spokesman added.
Ends/Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:46
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