Basic Law clear on universal suffrage, says top Beijing official in Hong Kong

Hong Kong should look back at the spirit of the Basic Law when handling issues involving universal suffrage for chief executive elections, Beijing’s representative in the city said.

Zhang Xiaoming, director of the central government’s liaison office, made the remarks during a reception held for Basic Law drafters including tycoon Li Ka-shing, rural leader Lau Wong-fat, leader of the city’s largest pro-Beijing party Tam Yiu-chung, National People’s Congress delegate Maria Tam Wai-chu and others.

The meeting yesterday came as heated debate continued over the city’s political reform for the next chief executive election in 2017. At the meeting, Zhang relayed gratitude from the central government for the mini-constitution drafters’ contribution.

The reception was reported on the liaison office’s website.

Zhang was quoted in the report saying the many arguments now seen over universal suffrage had been discussed when the Basic Law was being drafted in the 1980s and consensus had been formed back then.

The key to narrowing today’s differences, Zhang said, was to “go back to the related provisions in the Basic Law which clearly states the requirements, and go back to the legislative spirit that runs through the Basic Law.”

”With a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, the implementation of universal suffrage will benefit the nation’s sovereignty, safety and development, as well as Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity,” Zhang said.