Zhang Dejiang rules out public nomination for 2017 chief executive poll

The mainland official in charge of Hong Kong affairs yesterday laid down the rules on the city's push to directly elect its political leader, effectively dismissing the possibility of allowing voters to put forward candidates.

Zhang Dejiang, head of the Communist Party's leading group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, spelt out conditions for the city's political reform to about 200 Hong Kong delegates to the annual conference in Beijing of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Zhang told the delegates Hong Kong must "uphold the principle of 'one country' while respecting the differences between the 'two systems'," Xinhua quoted him as saying at the two-hour closed-door meeting.

His comments were backed Wednesday by Premier Li Keqiang, who pledged that Beijing would "unswervingly" implement the principles of 'one country, two systems', and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau.

Speaking at the opening of the national legislature’s yearly session this morning Li also promised to "support the chief executives and governments of the two regions in governing in accordance with the law, developing the economy, improving people’s wellbeing, advancing democracy in accordance with the law and maintaining social harmony.

"We will further increase co-operation between the mainland and the two regions and help them become more competitive," he added. "As China continues to comprehensively deepen reform and modernise, Hong Kong and Macau stand to benefit greatly."

Zhang yesterday said Hong Kong's push for democracy must be gradual and orderly. Without directly referring to the idea of public nomination - allowing voters to put forward candidates - Zhang said the reform must be done in accordance with the constitution and the Basic Law.