NPC hopes Hong Kong will hold elections in 2017

The National People's Congress hopes Hong Kong can smoothly institute open elections in 2017, a spokesman of the top legislature said on Tuesday.

2014 two sessions

"Based on the Basic Law and decisions of the National People's Congress, the chief executive of Hong Kong can be chosen by universal suffrage in 2017," said Fu Ying, spokeswoman for the second session of the 12th NPC.

"To carry out universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law is the expectation of the people of Hong Kong, as well as the consistent stance of the central government. During the public consultation, all parties should be patient," she added.

"Successful universal suffrage is critical to Hong Kong's stability and development in the long run," Fu said. "We believe that, in accordance with the Basic Law, the SAR government is capable of managing all affairs.

In addition, we hope all walks of life in Hong Kong can work together to achieve universal suffrage on time, and in line with the Basic Law as well as decisions made by the National People's Congress."

Fu also said that, with close ties linking Hong Kong and the mainland, the congress believes that all conflicts at civil level between the sides can be solved by open discussions.

The five-month consultation period on the 2017 election of Hong Kong's chief executive and the election of the city's legislative council in 2016 is due to end on May 3. Opinions in the special administrative region are still poles apart.