Hong Kong approves electoral reform deal
By James Pomfret |
June 26, 2010, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
HONG Kong yesterday passed an electoral reform package, winning over enough opposition lawmakers to back changes that could pave the way for universal suffrage in 2017.
"This lays down a milestone in Hong Kong's democratic development," said Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who called the deal a "historic moment."
"Disputes and infighting over political reform have plagued our society for the past two decades ... it's now clear that consensus and reform are possible," Tsang said.
After a marathon debate in the local 60-seat legislature stretching over three days, 46 lawmakers, including most members of Hong Kong's main opposition Democratic Party, cast a final vote in support of the package which required a two-thirds majority.
The reforms will expand the number of seats in the legislature to 70, of which 40 will be directly elected -- the first time a majority of seats will be returned by popular vote.
The rest are to be chosen by special interest groups, called functional constituencies.
An election committee that selects Hong Kong's leader will be expanded from 800 to 1,200 members.
"This lays down a milestone in Hong Kong's democratic development," said Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who called the deal a "historic moment."
"Disputes and infighting over political reform have plagued our society for the past two decades ... it's now clear that consensus and reform are possible," Tsang said.
After a marathon debate in the local 60-seat legislature stretching over three days, 46 lawmakers, including most members of Hong Kong's main opposition Democratic Party, cast a final vote in support of the package which required a two-thirds majority.
The reforms will expand the number of seats in the legislature to 70, of which 40 will be directly elected -- the first time a majority of seats will be returned by popular vote.
The rest are to be chosen by special interest groups, called functional constituencies.
An election committee that selects Hong Kong's leader will be expanded from 800 to 1,200 members.
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