UpdateConcessions for Hong Kong's 2022 election 'could be explored': government source

The government is considering offering a rethink of the nominating system for the 2022 chief executive election in an attempt to win over pan-democrats who have vowed to vote down the government's proposal for the 2017 poll.

A government source revealed last night that several possible amendments could be made the second time the city chooses its leader by universal suffrage. They could include raising the maximum number of candidates from three to four; increasing the number of members of the committee that nominates candidates from 1,200; and adding representatives of new sectors, such as youth, to that body.

The changes, which would veer from the strict framework Beijing set down last year "could be explored", the source said.

The government needs a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Council for its reform to pass. Pan-democrats, of whom at least five would have to vote in favour for the reforms to pass, have pledged to oppose any package which would fail to provide a genuine choice of candidates.

Beijing's framework was also questioned yesterday by a new lawyers' group, which said the ruling constituted only "pre-emptive guidance" and did not have the force of law.

The Progressive Lawyers Group has submitted its views on reform to the government's second consultation on 2017.