HK elects 36 new-term deputies to China's top legislature

World
Europe

Thirty-six deputies were elected on Tuesday to represent Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to China's 13th National People’s Congress (NPC).

Among them, 25 were re-elected, another 11 were new faces. They will assume positions early next year after the NPC Standing Committee screens their eligibility as deputies.

The election was held during the second plenary session of the Conference for Electing Deputies of HKSAR to the 13th NPC.

The agenda of the second plenary session of the Conference for Electing Deputies of HKSAR to the 13th NPC./CGTN Photo

A total of 59 people submitted applications to run in the election and 10 of them were disqualified after screening.

According to the election methods, all candidates have to declare that they will safeguard the Chinese constitution and the Basic Law, uphold the principle of “One country, two systems,” pledge loyalty to the People’s Republic of China and the HKSAR, and accept no financial assistance concerning elections from foreign countries.

Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee Wang Chen attended the second plenary session of the conference, which was presided over by HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

CGTN Photo

Beijing has reiterated that it has zero tolerance for separatism. Given the special nature of the SAR, Hong Kong's NPC deputies must have a strong sense of national unity.

Wang said he believed the elected deputies would inherit the tradition of loving the country and Hong Kong, defend the Constitution and the Basic Law of HKSAR, support the principle of "One Country, two Systems," and earnestly carry out the duties of the deputies, so as to make contributions to building a brighter future for Hong Kong and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The NPC deputies election is a vital part of shaping the region's future. As members of the country's top decision-making body, the deputies should be patriotic and be capable of closely linking the central government with Hong Kong society.