Nominating committee is the best option: propaganda chief Hao Tiechuan

Leaving the right to pick the city's chief executive candidates exclusively in the hands of the nominating committee is the "best and most acceptable choice to all", says Beijing's Hong Kong propaganda chief.

Hao Tiechuan, publicity director of the central government's liaison office, rejected proposals to allow voters or political parties to nominate candidates, saying no "political stables" should be guaranteed candidacy. "Nomination by organisation [the nominating committee] reflects equal participation of all sectors," he said, referring to the four sectors named in the Basic Law, including business and labour representatives.

"It is the highest common factor of all diverse views … Therefore, I disagree on public or political party nomination."

Speaking at Shue Yan University, Hao said: "Some suggested the 'political stable' theory - ensuring that certain people can join the race. But this would jeopardise the fairness of the election. The right of some to be nominated might be harmed." At the centre of the electoral reform debate is whether to grant the public the right to nominate candidates. The official's speech came after Basic Law Committee chairman Li Fei drew Beijing's bottom line on the reform during his three-day visit last week, ahead of the consultation starting next month.

Commenting on Li's assertion that only those who "love the country and Hong Kong" can be considered, Hao said the requirement was in line with international standards.

"The chief executive has to be held responsible to both Hong Kong and the central government. This is just like the United States would not allow the head of Hawaii to stand against it," he said.