Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, July 31. The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued a statement on the 31st, expressing its understanding and support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s decision to postpone the seventh Legislative Council election based on the current severe situation of the new crown pneumonia epidemic. It is a responsible act to protect the health and safety of Hong Kong citizens.

  The statement stated that after the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society have actively prevented the epidemic and achieved remarkable results. However, since July 5, the epidemic situation in Hong Kong has taken a turn for the worse, with more than 100 newly confirmed cases in a single day for 10 consecutive days, and community transmission has occurred. The epidemic is still developing, and the lives and public health safety of Hong Kong citizens have been seriously threatened. In the past few days, people from all walks of life have called for the postponement of the Legislative Council election, hoping that the election can be conducted under the premise of ensuring public safety and fairness. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam and the Executive Council decided to postpone the election of the seventh legislative council in Hong Kong for one year. This decision complies with the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong’s local laws, reflects respect for scientific prevention and control of the epidemic, reflects responsibility for the lives and health of Hong Kong citizens, and conforms to mainstream public opinion.

  The statement pointed out that without a safe election environment, there can be no fair and just elections. According to statistics from international research institutions, since the outbreak of the global new crown pneumonia epidemic, at least 68 countries or regions have postponed national or local elections due to the epidemic. Respect for science and the supremacy of life is the universal consensus of the international community.

  The statement stated that the central government supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's decision to postpone the election of the seventh legislative council in Hong Kong for one year based on the public interest and actual conditions in Hong Kong. Regarding how to deal with the vacancy of the legislature when the election of the seventh legislative council is postponed, the central government will submit it to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to make a decision.

  The statement emphasized that the central government is highly concerned about the new round of new crown pneumonia outbreak in Hong Kong recently and will provide all necessary support and assistance in accordance with the needs of the SAR to fight the epidemic, and effectively protect the lives and health of Hong Kong residents. I believe that with the firm support of the Central Government and the great assistance of the Mainland, the Chief Executive and the SAR Government will surely lead Hong Kong society to overcome the epidemic at an early date.