Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Zhang Yong, deputy head of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said the adoption marks the successful completion of the legislative work of the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee, using the constitutional rights, from the national level, to improve the HKSAR electoral system by means of "decision and amendment."

Speaking during an interview, he added that the decision has important political, constitutional and legal significance.

"We must adhere to the fundamental consensus of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, consolidate the foundation of the constitutional system of the HKSAR, offset the loopholes in the electoral system to ensure that patriots govern the region, improve the management efficiency of the HKSAR and develop democracy in a gradual and orderly manner in the region," Zhang said.

He also introduced five main aspects of the amendments in the interview.

First, reconstruct the Election Committee, specify issues such as its size, composition, term of office and qualifications of its members, and further expand the representation of the Election Committee.

Second, specify sub-sectors, the allocation of Election Committee members in various sub-sectors within each of the five sectors, as well as the method for returning Election Committee members. The amendment aims to make the Election Committee more representative, so as to further enhance the balanced participation of all walks of life of the Hong Kong society. 

Third, improve and expand the roles of the Election Committee to improve the executive-legislature relationship and better facilitate the executive-led system. 

Fourth, stipulate the electoral systems of the chief executive and the Legislative Council (LegCo). The electoral system of chief executive is basically preserved. Adjustments are made to the nomination mechanisms to ensure the post of the chief executive is taken only by staunch patriots. Improve the electoral system of the LegCo to better balance the overall interests of the Hong Kong society, the interests of different sectors and districts.

Fifth, establish a Candidate Eligibility Review Committee to ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong," and prevent anti-China, destabilizing elements from entering the body of power of the HKSAR.

(Cover: The Chinese national flag and the flag of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fly over the Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong, China, August 5, 2019. /Xinhua)

(With input from Xinhua)