(Year-end Feature·Hong Kong) Two elections implemented "Patriots ruling Hong Kong" and promoted the steady progress of democracy in Hong Kong
China News Service, Hong Kong, December 27th, title: Two elections to implement "patriots ruling Hong Kong" to promote the steady progress of democracy in Hong Kong
China News Agency reporter Zhang Xiaoxi
On December 19, 2021, the election of the seventh legislative council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be held smoothly. Together with the general election of the subsector of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Election Committee held on September 19, the two elections will implement "patriots ruling Hong Kong" and promote democracy in Hong Kong. Move forward steadily.
From March 11, the National People’s Congress passed the "Decision of the National People’s Congress on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Electoral System", to March 30, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed the newly revised Hong Kong Basic Law Annex I and Annex II, and then to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Local legislative methods implemented relevant decisions and amendments. As of May 27, the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passed the "Improvement of the Electoral System (Comprehensive Amendment) Ordinance 2021", and the work of improving the electoral system was successfully completed in the first half of this year.
Restructuring the election committee, stipulating the methods for the selection of the chief executive and the legislative council, and improving the candidate qualification review system are the main content of the improvement of the election system.
At that time, many celebrities from all walks of life in Hong Kong said in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency that improving the electoral system is important and timely, and it provides guarantee for the implementation of the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong". The new election system is broad and representative. Reflect balanced participation.
Under the new election system, the Election Committee has expanded to 1,500 people in five major sectors. In addition to being responsible for nominating candidates for the Chief Executive election and selecting candidates for the Chief Executive, it has also been given new functions, including the election of 90 members of the Legislative Council. 40 of the members, as well as candidates for nominating members of the Legislative Council, etc.
From the general election nomination period of the Election Committee subsectors, people from all walks of life have actively participated. They "dropped out" to participate in street station activities and communicate with the public.
Tang Yingnian, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Hong Kong Friendship Association, believes that such a form can deepen Hong Kong citizens’ understanding of the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong", and also help the election committee to perform their duties and responsibilities. A person with the ability to govern.
On September 19, the general election of the Election Committee subsector was held, and all election committees were subsequently elected.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam said that as the first election after improving the electoral system and implementing the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong", this election will lay a solid foundation for future Legislative Council elections and Chief Executive elections.
Entering the nomination stage for the Legislative Council elections, many people from different backgrounds actively participated in the elections. There are "various colors", including elites from business, academia, and professionals, as well as grassroots workers, employees, and small and medium-sized business operators; both are born and raised in Hong Kong There are also residents who live and work from the Mainland and Taiwan to Hong Kong, and foreign residents who have become Chinese nationals. There are both experienced and senior political participants and new faces who are running for the first time.
In the 7th Legislative Council election held on December 19, 90 seats were in competition, and no one was automatically elected.
Candidates strive for the support of voters by comparing their expertise, ideas, and responsibilities.
Election activities are more rational and fair, and pay more attention to the ability and quality of candidates.
After the vote, Carrie Lam issued a statement stating that she hopes to cooperate sincerely with the new Legislative Council to jointly promote Hong Kong's economic development, integrate into the overall development of the country, and strive to improve people's livelihood, build Hong Kong, and contribute to the country.
Lin Zhaohui, a member of the National Society of Hong Kong and Macau Studies and a part-time lecturer of the Department of Politics and Administration of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, analyzed in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency that the design of the new selection system was well-thought-out, and the competition between candidates was no longer political slogans. It is the real vision of economic and people’s livelihood development, which will form a new electoral culture and even a new political spectrum.
On March 27, 2022, the election of the new Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be held.
It is hoped that on the solid foundation of the two elections in 2021, the third election after the improvement of the electoral system will proceed smoothly, shaping a new pattern of good governance and good governance in Hong Kong and opening a new chapter.
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