G7, EU statements refuted

May 10, 2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly refuted the statements on the sixth-term Chief Executive Election made by European Union as well as G7 foreign ministers.

 

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly opposes the unfounded criticisms and misleading comments on the Chief Executive Election contained in the two statements.

 

They reflect a blatant interference into the internal affairs of the Hong Kong SAR and are clearly out of line with international norms, the statement added.

 

In December 2021, the State Council issued the “Hong Kong: Democratic Process Under the Framework of One ‘Country, Two Systems’” white paper which acknowledges that Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy while confirming the central authorities' right to supervise the exercise of the autonomy.

 

Noting that one size does not fit all, it highlights the unwavering determination of the Central People's Government to allow democracy to develop in the city, and explained that this will be a democracy “with Hong Kong characteristics.”

 

On the statements by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and the G7 foreign ministers, the statement pointed out that under “one country, two systems” and as provided for in Article 43 of the Basic Law, the Chief Executive is accountable to both the Central People's Government and the Hong Kong SAR, and the method for the selection of the Chief Executive is governed by Annex I to the Basic Law.

 

Following the amendments to Annex I by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on March 30 last year, all relevant local electoral laws were enacted by the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong SAR with a view to improving the electoral system.

 

Elections under the improved electoral system, including the sixth-term Chief Executive Election, have been conducted in strict accordance with the laws and in an open, fair and honest manner and any allegation that the improved electoral system has weakened democracy in the governance of Hong Kong is misguided.

 

Critics of Hong Kong's electoral arrangements have chosen to totally ignore the unprecedented challenges and security risks Hong Kong faced for almost one year from the latter part of 2019 when elected members of the legislature were exploiting the political structure to engage in activities undermining national security.

 

It should be noted that the March 2021 decision of the Standing Committee of the NPC has not changed the ultimate aim of attaining universal suffrage in the selection of the Chief Executive under Article 45 of the Basic Law.

 

The statement also emphasised that improving the electoral system, ensuring “patriots administering Hong Kong” and safeguarding the overall interests of society are conducive to the stable development of the city's democracy.

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