Urgent need to improve HK electoral system, adviser says

There is an urgent need to improve the electoral system in Hong Kong to enhance the governance capability of the special administrative region's government, said Eliza Chan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

A draft decision on improving Hong Kong's electoral system was submitted to the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, for deliberation.

Over the past two years, Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges that are not conducive to the thorough implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle, Chan, a national political adviser from Hong Kong said on Wednesday.

There are groups advocating "Hong Kong independence", that had organized resistance against the governance of the central authorities, colluded with foreign forces and caused chaos, disorder and riots in Hong Kong, she said.

"If such acts are not suppressed in time, those who oppose the central authorities and cause disturbance to the law and order of Hong Kong may enter the political system of Hong Kong through elections," she said.

Chan said many lawmakers have abused Hong Kong's legislature to blatantly obstruct the effective administration of the city. "The Legislative Council has become a battlefield for political games, rather than a platform for discussion and formulation of policies and strategies for the betterment of Hong Kong," she added.

Chan said that the existing electoral system has obvious loopholes and deficiencies that make it vulnerable to destabilization and anti-China activities, which threaten national sovereignty and security.

"Hong Kong people generally have a strong desire for the city to return to political stability and prosperity," she said. Improving the electoral system is urgently needed to ensure lawmakers can focus on solving deep-rooted problems and improving the livelihoods and well-being of Hong Kong people, she added.

Chan said the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" will ensure the successful and robust implementation of "one country, two systems", firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development and ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

The governing patriots should be capable and well-respected individuals who are dedicated to formulating and supporting strategies and policies which are beneficial to the city's economic development and also address deep-rooted issues such as housing, she said.