One-party rule contradicts constitution, anti-China activist tells subversion trial
Ex-Hong Kong lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan says call to end ‘dictatorship’ promotes democratic rights, does not mean ousting Communist Party
Ex-lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan, a former chairman of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, argued on Tuesday that calling for an end to “one-party dictatorship” in mainland China did not mean ousting the Communist Party from its leading role under the state’s constitutional framework.
“The Communist Party can hold power, but the people should be able to choose their government,” he said on the first day of his oral testimony at West Kowloon Court.
Lee also suggested that one-party rule contradicted the constitution’s preamble, which provides for “multiparty cooperation and political consultation” under the party’s leadership.
“It is our wish that by ending one-party dictatorship, people can fully exercise their rights under the constitution,” he added.