The pro-democracy camp is, by definition, a political grouping that stands or falls on its commitment to secure universal suffrage for Hong Kong. This has understandably led it to adopt a principled and unyielding approach to the ongoing process of constitutional reform. It is unwilling to contemplate any option for 2007 and 2008 other than direct elections for the chief executive and all legislators.
The position was confirmed at a key meeting of democrats last week. But there are signs the pro-democracy camp will, before long, accept the reality of the situation. And that means proposing reforms that fall short of universal suffrage. Beijing has ruled out direct elections for 2007 and 2008. That position is not likely to change in the time between now and then.
The democrats therefore face a stark choice. They can stick to their demands for universal suffrage and allow rival parties to take the lead in crafting the reforms. Or they can shift gear and strive for a system that is as representative as possible within the framework laid down by the central government. The second option carries risks and is more likely to create divisions within the camp. But it is the most sensible way to proceed.
The dilemma is one with which the democrats are familiar. It is a question of principle versus pragmatism. The Democratic Party, for example, has been forced to accept the need for the more practical approach in order to stay relevant and shore up its support. It has now competed in elections for National People's Congress deputies and functional constituencies, while its leader, Lee Wing-tat, put himself forward as a potential candidate for chief executive. Previously, all of these polls had been shunned and derided by the Democrats as 'small-circle' elections.
There is a limit to how long the democrats can maintain their 'all or nothing' stance on the reforms for 2007 and 2008. Democratic Party vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan pointed out last week that a time will come when it is clear to all that universal suffrage is impossible to achieve by that time. It is arguable that this stage has already arrived.
The government is expected to release a 'mainstream' proposal for reform in a few months' time. The public debate will then begin in earnest and will be followed by the finalising of the plan and the legislative process.