Government statement in response to the deliberation by NPC of a draft Decision on "improving the electoral system of the HKSAR"
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      In response to the deliberation by the National People's Congress (NPC) of a draft Decision on "improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)", a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said today (March 4):
      
     "To ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems", we must always adhere to the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong". This principle is fundamental to national sovereignty, security, development interests, as well as the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong."
      
     "Only through "patriots governing Hong Kong" can the Central Government's overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR be effectively implemented, the constitutional order as set out by the Constitution and the Basic Law be effectively safeguarded and the long-term stability and safety of Hong Kong be achieved."

     "Matters concerning the political system of HKSAR are the prerogative of the Central Government. The Central Government has the authority and responsibility to improve the electoral system in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government respects that the Central Government is taking the lead and will render its full co-operation."

Ends/Thursday, March 4, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:51

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