Tung Chee-hwa said he would restrict democratic development to that laid down by the Basic Law, but offered to study foreign government systems and the possibility of a law on political parties. Electoral arrangements would be studied after the Legco elections in September next year to see whether they were seen as fair and open. Mr Tung said he would not speed up the pace of democracy. 'The pace of democratic development must be in step with the actual situation in Hong Kong. We must allow time for further study and for the present political system to mature,' he said. Describing the views over the pace of democracy as divergent, Mr Tung said the mini-constitution - which says there cannot be full democracy before 2007 - would enable Hong Kong to consider the next step forward in light of the political experience during the period. 'I hope that by 2007 a mature view will have emerged in the community on the development of the political structure which will help us to decide on the strategy and the steps needed for its further development,' he said. The Constitutional Affairs Bureau for the first time made clear that it would study the feasibility of a law regulating political parties. 'We will examine the desirability and feasibility of a political party law in the light of our evolving electoral systems and the political situation of Hong kong,' it said. Officials are to study the various government systems worldwide to 'develop a system which best suits Hong Kong's long-term interests'. Politicians have mixed views about such a law. Some say parties, most of which are registered under the Companies Ordinance, would become more mature and operate less like a company. Others have voiced fears the law would become draconian and restrict autonomy. On executive-legislative relations, Mr Tung pledged to strengthen communication but offered no quick fixes to the disputes over rules of procedure and other issues. He said the two arms had explored ways to establish a co-operative relationship based on mutual checks and balances. 'My administration will make still greater efforts to maintain communication with Legco and secure its greater support,' he said. The Government introduced 120 bills, responded to 68 motion debates, answered 2,030 questions and attended 290 panel meetings during the past legislative session. District councils will play a big role in public affairs under a package of measures mapped out by Mr Tung. The Chief Executive promised the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 18 district councils would join the district management committees, which solicit views from district leaders on district management. Other than helping the councils to promote arts, sports and cultural events, more councillors will be appointed to advisory committees on livelihood matters.