3月30日，十三届全国人大常委会第二十七次会议审议通过了对香港基本法附件一和附件二的修改。国务院港澳事务办公室副主任邓中华受访指出，这是全国人大常委会根据《全国人民代表大会关于完善香港特别行政区选举制度的决定》的授权，对香港特别行政区行政长官和立法会两个产生办法作出的一次系统修订，明确规定了选举委员会的构成和产生办法，新的行政长官和立法会产生办法，以及候选人资格审查委员会的运作机制等。修改完善香港选举制度是对香港民主制度的优化和发展。
邓中华介绍说，这次修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度，主要是为了堵塞香港特别行政区现行选举制度中存在的漏洞和缺陷，构建一套符合香港实际情况、与“一国两制”实践要求相适应、具有香港特色的民主制度。有关修改完善体现了四个原则：第一，严格依照宪法、基本法和全国人大的决定，维护国家主权、安全和发展利益，保障香港居民依法享有的选举权和被选举权。第二，全面落实“爱国者治港”原则，确保香港特别行政区的管治权牢牢掌握在爱国者手中，为“一国两制”实践行稳致远提供坚实的制度保障。第三，增强选举委员会和立法会的代表性，扩大香港社会均衡有序的政治参与，维护香港社会整体利益和根本利益。第四，强化行政和立法之间的有效配合，提高政府治理效能，减少政治争拗和内耗，使香港特别行政区政府和社会各界人士能够集中精力发展经济、改善民生，维护香港的繁荣稳定。
邓中华说，全国人大常委会对香港基本法附件一和附件二修订的重点，是调整优化选举委员会的构成，赋予它新的职能。在构成方面，一是扩大了选举委员会的规模，将选举委员会人数由1200人增加至1500人。二是将原来的四大界别增加到五大界别，将“香港特别行政区全国人大代表、香港特别行政区全国政协委员和有关全国性团体香港成员的代表界”单列为第五界别，在选委会中强化了国家利益的代表。这一调整有利于选举委员会在履行职能时从国家和香港的角度考虑问题，作出符合国家和香港利益的选择。三是对选举委员会界别分组作了优化和调整，由原来的38个界别分组调整为40个界别分组，比如，第一界别增设了“中小企业”界别分组，第三界别增设了“基层社团”“同乡社团”界别分组，第四界别增设了“内地港人团体的代表”界别分组，第五界别设立了有关全国性团体香港成员的代表界别分组等，并对原有的界别分组作了一些合并和调整。这些优化和调整反映了香港社会政治经济情况的发展变化，体现了均衡参与原则，也进一步增加了基层利益代表的声音。在职能方面，选举委员会除继续提名并选举产生行政长官外，增加了两项重要职能：一是负责选举产生较大比例的立法会议员，二是参与提名全部立法会议员候选人。作出这样的制度设计是着眼于进一步扩大立法会代表性，并更好体现社会各界的均衡参与，有利于确保立法会不仅能代表不同行业界别和地区的利益，而且能更好代表香港社会整体利益。
关于选举委员会选举产生较大比例的议员，邓中华应询指出，王晨副委员长在3月5日关于全国人大有关决定草案的说明中表示，赋权选举委员会选举产生“较大比例”的立法会议员。这里所说的“较大比例”，就是指选委会选举产生的议员比另外两种方式中任何一种方式选举产生的议员数量要多。中央有关部门在前一阶段听取香港社会各界人士意见建议时，多数意见认为三种方式选举产生的议员应按照“40:30:20”的比例分配，全国人大常委会采纳了这一意见，在基本法附件二修订案中明确规定，香港特别行政区立法会议员每届90人，其中，选举委员会选举产生的议员40人，功能团体选举产生的议员30人，分区直接选举产生的议员20人。作出这一制度设计的考虑是：选举委员会选举产生的立法会议员主要是代表香港社会的整体利益，而功能团体选举产生的议员主要是代表行业、界别的利益，分区直选产生的议员主要是代表地区的利益。由选举委员会选举产生的议员在立法会中占据比功能团体议员和分区直选议员多的议席，能够使立法会更好地代表香港社会整体利益。另外，由于选举委员会选举产生的议员的选民基础与选举产生行政长官的选民基础相同，也就是说，他们都是由选举委员会选举产生，因此，这样的分配比例也有利于在立法会中形成稳定支持行政长官的多数力量，促进行政和立法的顺畅沟通，维护并落实行政主导。
关于规定选举委员会提名行政长官候选人和参与提名立法会议员候选人，邓中华应询表示，这是为了强化候选人的代表性，使有关候选人的提出能超越特定界别、团体或地区的利益。有意参选的人士除必须获得自己所在界别或地区的认可外，还必须在选举委员会各个界别都有一定的接受度。这就要求无论是行政长官候选人，还是立法会议员候选人，其参政、议政理念必须兼顾不同界别的利益和诉求，其个人必须具有团结不同界别和利益群体的能力和素质，从而确保最终选出的行政长官和立法会议员是真正符合候选人资格要求、有较广泛代表性和认受性、有能力的爱国者，确保其在履职过程中能够较好地将界别、团体或地区利益与香港社会整体利益和广大居民根本利益结合起来。这正是基本法规定的均衡参与原则的充分体现。
修订后的香港基本法附件一“地区组织代表”界别分组中没有出现区议会议员，附件二也取消了立法会中区议会（一）、区议会（二）的席位。对此，邓中华指出，区议会是香港的区域组织，本应在基本法规定的范围内履行职责，但近年来，区议会运作已严重偏离了基本法第九十七条规定的“接受香港特别行政区政府就有关地区管理和其他事务的咨询”的职能和“非政权性的区域组织”的性质。之所以如此，一个主要的原因就是区议会议员大比例成为行政长官选举委员会的成员，并在立法会中占有较多席位，变相地改变了区议会的性质和定位，使区议会在香港特区政治生活中影响过大，甚至成为一些人从事反中乱港活动的重要平台。要促使区议会回归基本法对它的定位，就必须取消其在选委会和立法会中的席位，削弱它的政治功能。中央有关部门在前一阶段听取香港社会各界人士意见建议时，很多香港人士呼吁取消区议会在选举委员会和立法会中的席位。全国人大常委会在认真研究后采纳了这一意见。作出这一修改，将促使区议会回归原本的职能、定位，做好地区服务工作。既然是运用政府公帑，就应该真正地为基层社区谋福利、做实事，真正为特区政府提供有价值、有建设性的咨询意见，真正成为特区政府和普通市民之间的沟通桥梁。决不允许区议会成为从事反中乱港活动的平台。
此次完善香港选举制度，设立了候选人资格审查机制。对于这一制度设计背后的考虑，邓中华表示，根据全国人大3月11日的决定和新修订的基本法附件一和附件二，香港特别行政区将设立候选人资格审查委员会，负责审查并确认选举委员会委员候选人、行政长官候选人和立法会议员候选人的资格。作出这一规定，其目的就是既要确保有关候选人符合参选年龄、国籍、居留权、有无犯罪记录等一般性的资格要求，还要符合拥护基本法、效忠香港特别行政区的法定要求和条件，以全面落实“爱国者治港”原则。
他强调说，习近平总书记深刻指出，要确保“一国两制”实践行稳致远，必须始终坚持“爱国者治港”。“爱国者治港”是“一国两制”的核心要义和必然要求。夏宝龙同志在2月22日发表的《全面落实“爱国者治港”原则，推进“一国两制”实践行稳致远》的重要讲话中，对坚持“爱国者治港”的客观标准和要求做了清晰阐述，并特别强调指出，对于身处重要岗位、掌握重要权力、肩负重要管治责任的人士，在爱国的标准上理应有更高的要求。发展香港的民主制度决不能背离“爱国者治港”这一根本原则。这次全国人大及其常委会修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度，就是要将“爱国者治港”这一根本原则法律化、制度化，就是要将反中乱港分子排除出香港特别行政区的管治架构，就是要杜绝反中乱港分子继续堂而皇之地坐在立法会的议事大厅里搞反中乱港活动。
对于反对派是否还有参政空间、香港将来能否保持多元包容的政治文化，邓中华指出，我们强调“爱国者治港”，绝不是搞“清一色”和“一言堂”，绝不是说不能对特区政府的施政提出不同甚至反对的意见。任何有意愿参选的人士，只要符合爱国者标准，获得足够提名和候选人资格审查委员会对其资格的确认，都可以参选并依法当选。香港将继续保持多元包容的政治文化。
他还应询表示，资格审查和确认的规定适用于选举委员会全部委员，包括当然委员、提名产生的委员和选举产生的委员。也就是说，选举委员会的当然委员和提名产生的委员也要符合“拥护香港特别行政区基本法、效忠香港特别行政区”的法定要求和条件，其资格确认也由香港特别行政区候选人资格审查委员会负责。但是，与选举产生的委员不同的是，当然委员是基于其特定身份而当然成为委员，提名产生的委员则是按照特定程序推举成为委员，因此其资格确认程序与经选举产生的委员候选人的资格审查机制有所不同。正因如此，修订后的附件一没有对当然委员和提名产生的委员的资格确认程序作出规定，而是交由香港特区在有关本地立法中加以明确。香港特区有关选举登记机构应在编制、公布选举委员会委员有关名册的适当时间，将上述委员名单提交香港特区候选人资格审查委员会，由其对委员的资格加以确认。在此过程中，香港特区候选人资格审查委员会必要时可就有关人员是否符合“拥护、效忠”的法定要求和条件征询香港特区国安委的意见，并按修订后的基本法附件一第八条的有关规定处理，也就是：香港特区国安委根据香港特区政府警务处维护国家安全部门的审查情况，就有关人员是否符合“拥护、效忠”的法定要求和条件作出判断，并就不符合者向香港特区候选人资格审查委员会出具审查意见。对候选人资格审查委员会根据特区国安委的审查意见书作出的资格确认决定，不得提起诉讼。
修订后的基本法附件一和附件二分别规定，选委会有关界别分组和立法会功能团体选举有关界别的合资格团体选民的界定，由香港特别行政区以选举法规定。对此，邓中华介绍说，修订后的附件一和附件二明确规定，除了香港特区选举法列明者外，有关团体和企业须获得其所在界别分组或界别相应资格后持续运作三年以上方可成为该界别分组或界别的选民。这实际上已明确了界定合资格团体选民的基本要求，就是说，有关团体首先必须与有关选委会界别分组或立法会功能界别有密切联系，并且持续运作了一定的时间。其次，有关团体在该界别分组或界别应具有代表性。再者，此次完善香港特区选举制度的目的是为了更好地落实“爱国者治港”原则，界定合资格团体选民时也应体现这个原则。总之，是否有密切联系、是否有代表性、是否体现“爱国者治港”原则，这些都是香港特区在有关本地立法中界定合资格团体选民时须考虑的要素，也只有这样才符合有关制度设计的初衷。
邓中华认为，全国人大常委会通过对基本法两个附件的修订案，标志着从国家层面修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度的工作已经完成。下一步，香港特区需要尽快完成本地配套法律的修订，并在此基础上依法组织相关选举活动，使全国人大及其常委会的“决定+修法”在特别行政区真正落地实施。
他表示，长期以来，两大制度性难题一直困扰着香港社会，一个是基本法第二十三条立法迟迟未立而导致香港特区在维护国家安全方面处于“不设防”的状态，另一个是香港政制发展问题长期处于不确定状态而导致香港社会争拗不断、撕裂加剧。随着香港国安法的制定实施，随着新的选举制度在香港落地执行，这两大制度性难题将得到有效解决，关乎香港政治稳定和政权安全的隐患和风险将得以消除，香港有望从长期的政治争拗和对立对抗中解脱出来，齐心协力抓民生，聚精会神谋发展。香港的前景必将更加美好，香港市民的生活必将更加幸福。
谈及香港民主政制的未来发展，邓中华指出，这次全国人大及其常委会对基本法附件一、附件二作出修改，而没有对基本法第四十五条和第六十八条作出修改，而这两条明确规定根据香港特别行政区的实际情况和循序渐进的原则，最终达至普选产生行政长官和全部立法会议员由普选产生的目标。这就说明，中央坚定推进香港民主政制发展的方向和目标没有变，并将与香港社会各界一道，努力创造条件，促成“双普选”最终实现。
Full text: Interview of Deng Zhonghua on
amended annexes to HKSAR Basic Law
Full text of the interview of Deng Zhonghua, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, on the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) adopted by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on March 30
Question 1: What is the legislative intention of the NPC Standing Committee's amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the HKSAR? What principles were followed in the amendments?
Answer: This morning, the NPC Standing Committee adopted the amendments to Annexes I and II to the Basic Law of the HKSAR. This was carried out under the authorization of the NPC decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR to fully revise the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and for the formation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the HKSAR. The amended annexes specify the composition and formation method of the Election Committee, the new methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and for the formation of the LegCo, and the operating mechanism of the candidate eligibility review committee, among others.
The main purpose of revising and improving the electoral system of the HKSAR is to plug the loopholes in the electoral system, and develop a democratic system that suits Hong Kong's actual situation, meets the requirements for the implementation of One Country, Two Systems, and has Hong Kong characteristics.
The revisions embody the following principles:
First, uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and ensure Hong Kong residents' lawful right to vote and to stand for election, in strict accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law and the NPC decision.
Second, comprehensively implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" to keep the power to administer firmly in the hands of patriots and provide solid institutional guarantee for the continued success of the policy of One Country, Two Systems.
Third, broaden the representation of the Election Committee and the LegCo, expand the balanced and orderly political participation of Hong Kong society, and safeguard the overall and fundamental interests of Hong Kong society.
Fourth, ensure effective cooperation between the executive authorities and the legislature, improve the governance efficacy of the HKSAR, and reduce in-fighting and political wrestling, so that the government and all sectors of the HKSAR can focus their energy on developing the economy and improving living standards, and safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Therefore, revising and improving the HKSAR's electoral system this time is an effort to optimize and develop Hong Kong's democratic system.
Question 2: The core of the move to improve the electoral system of Hong Kong is the reformation and greater empowerment of the Election Committee of the HKSAR. Would you please explain the main content of the improvements and the reasons behind the changes?
Answer: The NPC Standing Committee’s amendments to the annexes aim primarily to adjust and optimize the composition of the Election Committee and empower the committee with new functions.
First, the membership of the Election Committee is enlarged from 1,200 to 1,500.
Second, the number of sectors is increased from four to five. "HKSAR deputies to the NPC, HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organizations" are listed as the fifth sector. This will enhance the representation of national interests in the Election Committee. Such change will better enable the Election Committee, in the performance of its duties, to consider issues from the perspectives of both the country and Hong Kong and make choices in the interests of both the country and Hong Kong.
Third, the delimitation of Election Committee subsectors is adjusted and improved, and the number is increased from 38 to 40. For example, a new subsector, "small and medium enterprises," is added to the first sector. Two subsectors, "grassroots organizations" and "associations of Chinese fellow townsmen", are added to the third sector. A subsector "representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland" is added to the fourth sector. A subsector "representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organizations" is included in the fifth sector. Some original subsectors are merged or adjusted.
These adjustments are made in response to the social, political and economic development and changes in Hong Kong. They reflect the principle of balanced participation and give grassroots representatives a greater voice in the Election Committee.
As for the greater empowerment, the Election Committee, apart from its original function of nominating and electing the Chief Executive, will have two more key functions: elect a relatively large proportion of LegCo members and participate in the nomination of all candidates for LegCo members. Such arrangements are designed to make the LegCo more representative and ensure more balanced public participation by all sectors. They will help ensure that the LegCo can better represent the overall interests of Hong Kong society as well as the interests of various sectors and constituencies.
Question 3: Under the new electoral system, members of the LegCo will be returned by the Election Committee, by functional constituencies, and by geographical constituencies through direct elections, and the numbers of seats allocated to each category are 40, 30 and 20. Why are the seats distributed in this way?
Answer: As Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wang Chen mentioned in the explanations on the draft NPC decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR on March 5, the Election Committee will be empowered to return a "relatively large share" of LegCo members. The "relatively large share" here means that LegCo members returned by the Election Committee shall outnumber those returned through either of the other means.
When competent departments of the central authorities solicited views from all sectors of Hong Kong society, the majority view was that the numbers of seats allocated to each category should be 40, 30 and 20. The NPC Standing Committee accepted this view.
It is stipulated in the amendment to Annex II to the Basic Law that the LegCo of the HKSAR shall be composed of 90 members for each term. Among them, 40 shall be returned by the Election Committee, 30 shall be returned by functional constituencies and 20 shall be returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections.
The consideration behind this institutional design is that LegCo members returned by the Election Committee would represent the overall interests of Hong Kong society, those returned by functional constituencies would represent the interests of various sectors, and those returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections would represent the interests of their constituencies.
With more members returned by the Election Committee than by functional constituencies or by geographical constituencies, the LegCo can better represent the overall interests of Hong Kong society.
In addition, LegCo members returned by the Election Committee share the same voter basis with the Chief Executive. To put it another way, they are all elected by the Election Committee.
Such seat distribution is conducive to maintaining a majority inside the LegCo that supports the Chief Executive. It will facilitate smooth communication between the executive authorities and the legislature and help safeguard and implement the executive-led system.
Question 4: Under the amended Annex I to the Basic Law, members of District Councils are not included in the sector “representatives of district organizations”. And under the new Annex II, no seat is reserved for members of District Councils (first and second) in the LegCo. What is the consideration in making such changes? How will they affect the status and functions of District Councils?
Answer: District Councils are district-based organizations in Hong Kong. They are supposed to function in accordance with the Basic Law. However, in recent years, District Councils have seriously deviated from their functions and nature prescribed by Article 97 of the Basic Law, which stipulates that District Councils are “district organizations which are not organs of political power” and may “be consulted by the government of the Region on district administration and other affairs”. A main factor contributing to this deviation is the fact that a large proportion of members of District Councils became members of the Election Committee, and that they took up a large number of seats in the LegCo. This virtually changed the nature and status of District Councils and enabled them to exert excessive influence on the political life of the HKSAR. District Councils were even abused by some people to oppose China and destablize Hong Kong. In order that District Councils restore their status as defined by the Basic Law, it is imperative to cancel their members' seats in the Election Committee and the LegCo, and make them less politically oriented. This was called for by many people of Hong Kong society when competent departments of the central authorities solicited their views and suggestions. The NPC Standing Committee adopted this suggestion after careful consideration. The amendment will bring District Councils back on track so that they can play their due role of serving local communities. Funded by the government, District Councils should concentrate on promoting the well-being of grassroots communities, provide valuable and constructive suggestions to the HKSAR government, and work as a bridge connecting the government and ordinary people. We will never allow District Councils to mutate into a platform for opposing China and destabilizing Hong Kong.
Question 5: Some believe that in improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, much emphasis has been put on institutional safeguards. Apart from establishing a candidate eligibility review committee, the amendments also provide that the Election Committee shall be responsible for nominating candidates for the office of Chief Executive and participate in nominating candidates for LegCo members. This means it will not be easy to become a candidate. What are the considerations behind such a design? Under the new system, is there still any space for the opposition to participate in administering Hong Kong? Can Hong Kong maintain its political culture of pluralism and inclusiveness in the future?
Answer: Pursuant to the decision adopted by the NPC on March 11 and the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, a candidate eligibility review committee of the HKSAR shall be established to review and confirm the eligibility of candidates for Election Committee members, the office of Chief Executive, and LegCo members. The purpose is to ensure that the candidates meet not only the general eligibility requirements on age, nationality, permanent residency, and criminal record, but also the legal requirements and conditions of upholding the Basic Law of the HKSAR and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR, so as to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.
It is stipulated that the Election Committee shall be responsible for nominating candidates for the office of Chief Executive and participate in nominating candidates for LegCo members. This is meant to make the candidates more representative and enable the nomination of candidates to transcend the interests of any specific sector, group or geographical constituency. For those who intend to stand for election, they must have the endorsement of their own sectors or constituencies, and they must also enjoy a certain level of support from each of the sectors of the Election Committee. For candidates, either for the office of Chief Executive or for members of the LegCo, their election programs must reflect the interests and demands of various sectors and constituencies, and they must have the ability to work with different sectors and interest groups. This will ensure that the elected Chief Executive or LegCo members are competent patriots who are truly qualified, broadly representative and widely accepted, and that they perform their duties not only in the interests of different sectors, groups or geographical constituencies, but also in the overall interests of Hong Kong society and the fundamental interests of Hong Kong residents. This gives full expression to the principle of balanced participation enshrined in the Basic Law.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has pointed out that to ensure the continued success of the policy of One Country, Two Systems, we must always uphold the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". This principle is a core element and essential requirement of One Country, Two Systems. On Feb. 22, Comrade Xia Baolong delivered a speech on comprehensively implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and ensuring the continued success of the policy of One Country, Two Systems. In his speech, Xia elaborated on the criteria and requirements for upholding "patriots administering Hong Kong". He also emphasized the imperative to set the bar higher for patriotism in the case of individuals who hold key public offices, are vested with important powers, and shoulder major responsibilities of administration. The development of democracy in Hong Kong must never run counter to the fundamental principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". The move to amend and improve the electoral system of the HKSAR by the NPC and its Standing Committee aims to incorporate the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" into law and establish relevant institutions. It also aims to exclude those who oppose China and destabilize Hong Kong from the governance structure of the HKSAR and prevent them from continuing to sit in the LegCo and openly engaging in anti-China and destabilizing activities. That said, our emphasis on "patriots administering Hong Kong" does not mean that we will seek “uniformity” or “one voice only”, nor does it mean that no different or opposing opinions can be voiced about the work of the HKSAR government. Anyone with the intent to stand for election may participate and get elected pursuant to the law, if they meet the requirements for "patriots", obtain enough nominations and have their eligibility confirmed by the candidate eligibility review committee. Hong Kong will maintain its political culture of pluralism and inclusiveness.
Question 6: How will the amendments to the methods for selecting the HKSAR Chief Executive and for forming the LegCo impact Hong Kong? Will there still be universal suffrage in Hong Kong?
Answer: The amendments to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, passed by the NPC Standing Committee, mark the completion of the work of revising and improving the electoral system of the HKSAR at the state level. As a next step, the HKSAR shall amend relevant local laws as soon as possible and organize elections accordingly to ensure the effective implementation in the HKSAR of the "decision plus amendment" approach adopted by the NPC and its Standing Committee.
For years, two major institutional problems have haunted Hong Kong. First, the HKSAR had long been "unguarded" in terms of national security because of the absence of the legislation required by Article 23 of the Basic Law. Second, social disputes and division have intensified due to long-standing uncertainties in Hong Kong's constitutional development. With the implementation of the law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and the new electoral system, these two problems will be effectively addressed and risks and vulnerabilities hampering Hong Kong’s political stability and security will be eliminated. Hong Kong is expected to be freed from prolonged political wrestling and confrontation, and it will be able to concentrate on improving the people's livelihood and promoting development. Hong Kong will have a better future and Hong Kong people will lead a better life.
As for the future development of Hong Kong's democracy, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that the NPC Standing Committee has amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law but has not revised its Articles 45 and 68. The two articles make clear the ultimate aim of selecting the Chief Executive and electing all LegCo members by universal suffrage, which will be achieved in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. This shows that the central authorities remain committed to advancing the development of Hong Kong's democratic system and will work with people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to create enabling conditions for the ultimate realization of "dual universal suffrage".
Question 7: The amended Annex I stipulates that the candidate eligibility review committee is tasked with vetting and confirming the eligibility of candidates for Election Committee members and for the office of Chief Executive. The Election Committee is composed of elected members, ex-officio members and nominated members. Does the vetting and confirming mechanism cover the eligibility of the ex-officio and nominated members? If so, which body is responsible for that? And what procedures should it follow?
Answer: The provisions on eligibility review and confirmation apply to all Election Committee members, including ex-officio, nominated and elected members. In another word, ex-officio and nominated members should also meet the legal requirements and conditions of upholding the Basic Law of the HKSAR and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR. It is also up to the candidate eligibility review committee of the HKSAR to confirm whether they are eligible.
Unlike elected members, ex-officio members acquire membership based on their specific capacity and nominated members join the Election Committee through particular nomination procedures. Therefore, the procedures for confirming their eligibility are somewhat different from the eligibility review mechanism for elected members. This is why the amended Annex I does not stipulate the procedures for confirming the eligibility of ex-officio or nominated members. Such procedures will be specified by the HKSAR through local legislation.
The relevant electoral registration body of the HKSAR should, at an appropriate time during the preparation or publication of the register of Election Committee members, submit the name list of ex-officio and nominated members to the candidate eligibility review committee for eligibility confirmation. In this process, the review committee may, when necessary, consult the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR as to whether a listed individual meets the legal requirements and conditions of upholding the Basic Law of the HKSAR and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR and handle the case in accordance with Section 8 of the amended Annex I. To be more specific, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR shall, on the basis of the review by the department for safeguarding national security of the Hong Kong Police Force, make findings as to whether a listed individual meets these legal requirements and conditions and issue an opinion to the review committee in respect of an individual who fails to meet such legal requirements and conditions. No legal proceedings may be instituted against a decision on eligibility made by the review committee pursuant to the opinion of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR.
Question 8: According to stipulations in the amended Annex I and Annex II, the definition of eligible corporate voters for relevant subsectors of the Election Committee and for relevant functional constituencies of the LegCo shall be prescribed by the electoral law of the HKSAR. What factors should the HKSAR take into consideration when defining eligible corporate voters?
Answer: As prescribed by the amended Annex I and Annex II, an association or enterprise may become a corporate voter for a subsector or functional constituency only if it has been operating for not less than three years after acquiring relevant qualifications for that subsector or functional constituency, unless otherwise specified by the electoral law of the HKSAR. These provisions make clear the basic requirements for defining eligible corporate voters. In other words, first, relevant associations must have a substantial connection with their respective subsectors of the Election Committee or functional constituencies of the LegCo, and should be in continuous operation for a certain period of time. Second, relevant associations should be representative of their subsectors or functional constituencies. Third, as the purpose of improving the electoral system of the HKSAR is to better implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", this principle should be reflected in defining eligible corporate voters. All in all, the HKSAR must bear in mind these three points when defining eligible corporate voters. Only in this way can the original purpose of relevant institutional designs be served. Enditem
（来源:新华社）