Chief Executive Carrie Lam welcomed the passage of the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021 by the Legislative Council today.

She hailed it as a landmark occasion for ensuring “patriots administering Hong Kong” in accordance with “one country, two systems”.

The bill will be published in the gazette and come into effect on May 31.

To plug the loopholes in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system that seriously jeopardised Hong Kong’s constitutional order, endangered national security and obstructed governance, as reflected in the political chaos in recent years, the National People’s Congress (NPC) passed a decision on March 11 to improve the city’s electoral system. The NPC Standing Committee then approved amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law on March 30, and the local electoral legislation was subsequently amended within two months.

Mrs Lam said: “This would not have been possible without the guidance of the central government, the full co-operation of LegCo, the support expressed by members of the community and the hard work of my colleagues.

“Together, we have ushered in a new era for Hong Kong’s political system that will ensure the full and accurate implementation of ‘one country, two systems’.”

She noted that in the past two years, Hong Kong has experienced the most severe political challenges since its return to the motherland. The implementation of the National Security Law since June 30 last year has effectively restored stability, while the passage of the bill today, which ensures “patriots administering Hong Kong”, marks another milestone.

“These two key initiatives fully demonstrate the central government’s unwavering determination in upholding ‘one country, two systems’, and they will go a long way towards ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," the Chief Executive said.

Mrs Lam pointed out that the improvement to the Hong Kong SAR’s electoral system is both timely and necessary, as anti-China forces had created chaos in LegCo, paralysed the Government’s operation, and even colluded with external forces to undermine the city’s safety and interests.

“No country or government could turn a blind eye to such dangers."

Additionally, she said it is natural and in line with international norm to require people vested with governing powers to be patriotic.

“Whoever meets the requirements and criteria of being a patriot, irrespective of their political stance, can participate in elections and be elected in accordance with the law to serve the Hong Kong SAR. The improved electoral system will help LegCo restore its constitutional function as a platform for rational interaction between the executive authorities and the legislature, which will clearly enhance governance.”

Mrs Lam thanked lawmakers for intensively and tirelessly scrutinising the bill since its introduction to LegCo on April 14, and for their constructive suggestions which have provided greater clarity to legal provisions.

“The amended electoral legislation will provide us with a solid basis to conduct the coming elections in accordance with the amended Annex I and Annex II,” she said.

After gazetting the bill on May 31, the Government will prepare for the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections on September 19, LegCo General Election on December 19 and Chief Executive Election on March 27, 2022. A special voter registration arrangement will be conducted from June 1 to July 5. The Chief Executive will also appoint the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee and make a report to the central government.

The Government will work closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission and the Registration & Electoral Office to enhance public understanding of the improved electoral system, and is committed to ensuring that elections are conducted in a fair, just and open manner.