China News Service, Beijing, August 11, title: Solving the "vacuum period" of the Hong Kong Legislative Council
China News Agency reporter Lu Mei
The 21st meeting of the 13th National People's Congress passed the decision by voting on the 11th, which is the final word for resolving the "vacuum period" that may arise in the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to the decision, the Sixth Legislative Council will continue to perform its duties for no less than one year until the beginning of the term of the Seventh Legislative Council.
Against the background of the severe threat of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, this move clearly shows that the central government has placed higher priority on the health and well-being of Hong Kong citizens and the recovery and development of the Hong Kong economy.
The harm caused by the out-of-control epidemic has been seen in other parts of the world, so there is no need to repeat it. In early July, the epidemic in Hong Kong returned, and the situation is still precarious. For this reason, people from all walks of life are generally worried that the election of the seventh legislative council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region originally scheduled to be held on September 6 this year may bring a "geometric" risk of infection to millions of citizens.
Undoubtedly, concentrating efforts to stop the infection and treat patients is a top priority for Hong Kong.
On July 31, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government decided to apply the "Emergency Regulations Ordinance" to postpone the election of the Legislative Council for one year, and requested the Central Government to request the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to make arrangements for the vacancy of the legislature in the event of postponement of the election.
Regarding how to solve the "vacuum period", various sectors in Hong Kong have put forward various opinions, such as extending the current Legislative Council for one year, establishing the Provisional Legislative Council, the seventh Legislative Council term, and establishing a "caretaker council" that restricts some powers, etc. .
As a permanent organ of the country's highest organ of power, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress made decisions in due course, with the highest legal effect, and settled disputes, providing a solid legal foundation for the continued operation of the sixth legislative council in Hong Kong.
The term of office of the Legislative Council specified in Article 69 of the Basic Law is an institutional arrangement under normal circumstances. The decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is a special arrangement for dealing with the vacancy of the legislature under the special circumstances that the Legislative Council cannot be successfully elected due to the epidemic, so as to ensure the effective governance of the SAR government and the normal operation of society.
Members of the 6th Legislative Council are originally elected and are recognizable in Hong Kong society. Their continued operation is simple and easy, and consumes the least social and administrative resources. It is conducive to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to concentrate resources and energy as soon as possible. The prevention and control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic has ensured the normal and stable operation of Hong Kong society. At the same time, according to the decision, after the seventh legislative council is formed according to law, the term of office will remain four years. The decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress complies with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and solves the problems that the SAR government cannot solve by itself; considering all factors, it also reflects fairness and justice. It is the most appropriate and feasible method at the moment.
Throughout the world, affected by the new crown pneumonia epidemic, many countries or regions choose to postpone elections or similar activities in some way. Political activities give way to the health and safety of the people, and it is the consensus of the governments and legislatures of many countries. It can be seen that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s decision to postpone the elections and the National People’s Congress Standing Committee’s decision to let the sixth legislative council of Hong Kong continue to perform its duties are also international practices.
The motherland has always been a strong backing for Hong Kong. The decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress adds another stabilizer to Hong Kong society. Facing the challenge of the epidemic, Hong Kong citizens should carry forward the "Lion Rock Spirit" again, work together with the SAR government, and win the battle against the epidemic at an early date and get back on track. (Finish)