THE chairman of the new commission on the 1994/95 electoral arrangements has pledged to resist pressure from Beijing.
High Court judge Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, who was appointed yesterday to chair the Boundary and Election Commission, said the three-member body was independent and would work in accordance with the law commission's Ordinance.
The ordinance, part of Governor Chris Patten's political reform plans, was approved by the Legislative Council in May and prompted China to accuse Britain of creating obstacles to the Sino-British talks on political development.
The new commission is responsible for reviewing the geographical boundaries of constituencies in elections for Legco, municipal councils and district boards. It will also supervise voter registration, regulate election procedures and ensure the polls are conducted openly, honestly and fairly.
Mr Justice Woo said the commission would not touch on the sensitive issue of the number of elected seats in the councils. Its work would not antagonise China or any political party.
He admitted that there would be ''some slight problems'' if the number of elected seats was changed, but that was not a major obstacle.