Carrie Lam, Hong Kong Chief Executive, "Grateful for China's Decision on Electoral System Reform"

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, expressed "firm support and sincere gratitude" for China's decision to reform Hong Kong's electoral system.

Lam made the statement on the 11th after the "Resolution on Improving the Electoral System of Hong Kong" was overwhelmingly passed at the 4th plenary session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), according to Chinese media such as Beijing Daily.

The reform plan includes establishing a high-level committee to review the qualifications of election candidates, excluding district council seats (117 seats) from the election committee that selects the Hong Kong Chief Executive, and expanding the scope of functional constituency representatives in the Legislative Council.

If implemented as is, the likelihood of pro-China figures being elected as Hong Kong Chief Executive will increase, and the political space for Hong Kong's pan-democratic camp will further narrow.

Lam stated, "The political system is under the central government's authority, and the electoral system is an important part of it," adding that this decision aligns with the Chinese Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law.

She also emphasized, "This decision aims to bring Hong Kong back to the original intention and correct path of 'one country, two systems,' and it fully implements the principle of 'patriots governing Hong Kong' institutionally, which is beneficial for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability."

Furthermore, she said, "The Hong Kong government will fully cooperate with the related amendments," noting that "the Election Committee, which can represent the interests of the whole society, is a key element in improving the electoral system."

Lam added, "Only by ensuring that firm patriots become the Chief Executive, Election Committee members, and Legislative Council members can 'one country, two systems' finally be fully realized," and "this is necessary to protect national security, sovereignty, and development interests."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.