Replacement mechanism proposals sound

June 18, 2011

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam believes legal advice which the Government sought concerning its proposals to institute a replacement mechanism for Legislative Councillors who resign or in other circumstances where vacancies arise will stand.
 
He said there was a strong case to plug this loophole so that serving LegCo members cannot resign at will.
 
He was speaking to the media today after attending the morning session of a special LegCo Constitutional Affairs Panel meeting. 
 
The Government’s proposals - using the results of the general election starting from September 2012 to institute a replacement mechanism for lawmakers who resign or in other circumstances where vacancies arise - are consistent with Article 68 of the Basic Law, he said.
 
The proposals are also consistent with Article 26 of the Basic Law, whereby Hong Kong permanent residents can vote and stand for election, he said.