Hong Kong elections reform: Beijing to reveal detailed plan for overhaul so changes to local laws can be completed ‘by May’
- Apex of China’s legislature to lay out the specifics for reform before the summer, with city leader election only a year away, Tam Yiu-chung says
- Beijing determined to move ahead with changes despite the prospect of international criticism, the member of China’s top legislative body adds
China’s top legislative body will soon set out a detailed plan for shaking up Hong Kong’s elections system so the necessary changes to the city’s laws can be completed by May, its sole local delegate has revealed.
Tam Yiu-chung, of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), on Sunday noted that timings were tight for implementing the reforms given the city’s chief executive election was scheduled for next year.
Tam also expressed reservations about allowing candidates to challenge in court any grievances arising from the committee’s work, saying that would complicate the system.
He added that Beijing was determined to press ahead with reforming Hong Kong’s elections system despite the international backlash it might trigger.
According to Tam, Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng, the state leader overseeing Hong Kong and Macau affairs, told the city’s delegates earlier this month that the changes must be completed if the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” was to be fulfilled.