The Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, south China. /CFP
Improving Hong Kong's electoral system has foiled the conspiracy of anti-China disruptors to enter the political structure through electoral loopholes and seize the governance of Hong Kong, Tam Yiu-chung, a member of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said Friday.
Speaking at a seminar in Hong Kong, Tam elaborated on the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), including the composition of the Election Committee and the elections of the HKSAR chief executive and the Legislative Council (LegCo).
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Improving the electoral system is supported by Hong Kong people and ensures the implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle, which will help maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, Tam said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Tam Kam-kau, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said improving the electoral system will enable Hong Kong to focus on solving deep-seated social problems, improving people's living standards and building a better future.
A poster on improving the electoral system is seen in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, south China, March 31, 2021. /CFP
The NPC, China's top legislature, adopted a decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR at its annual session on March 11. The NPC Standing Committee voted unanimously to adopt the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law on March 30.
It is another major step taken by the state to improve the HKSAR's legal and political systems since the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR was adopted in June 2020.
More than 2.38 million signatures were collected in Hong Kong in support of the move during an 11-day campaign last month.
The NPC decision said the HKSAR shall amend relevant local laws and organize and regulate election activities accordingly.
Bills of draft amendments to related local electoral laws will be tabled at the LegCo next Wednesday, Carrie Lam, chief executive of the HKSAR, said earlier this week.
(With input from Xinhua)