As should come as no surprise, the National People's Congress continues its task of remaking Hong KOng so that its systems, cultures and operations more closely align with those of the political-economic model of the nation. To that end it now proposes an amendment to Hong Kong's electoral system explained in 关于《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（草案）》的说明 [Notes on the "Decision of the National People's Congress on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Electoral System (Draft)"]. The text is pending, though there has been much reporting about it (here, here, here).
While many of the changes appear at the margin, taken together they suggest a much better managed system--that is a system that can be ore usefully overseen to ensure that Hong Kong remains on the path to prosperity and stability, as those concepts are guided by the vanguard. The most interesting framing element was the development of the principle : "'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong' with patriots as the main body." It recalls in a fundamental ordering way Mao Zedong's famous "On Peoples' Democratic Dictatorship" (30 June 1949):
Who are the people? At the present stage in China, they are the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie and the national bourgeoisie. These classes, led by the working class and the Communist Party, unite to form their own state and elect their own government; they enforce their dictatorship over the running dogs of imperialism -- the landlord class and bureaucrat-bourgeoisie, as well as the representatives of those classes, the Kuomintang reactionaries and their accomplices -- suppress them, allow them only to behave themselves and not to be unruly in word or deed. If they speak or act in an unruly way, they will be promptly stopped and punished. Democracy is practiced within the ranks of the people, who enjoy the rights of freedom of speech, assembly, association and so on. The right to vote belongs only to the people, not to the reactionaries. The combination of these two aspects, democracy for the people and dictatorship over the reactionaries, is the people's democratic dictatorship.
Reporting from the South China Morning Post noted:
With Beijing now emphasising the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong”, he added: “The revamped electoral system will prevent opposition politicians who fail the ‘patriots’ requirement from entering the political establishment.” But he noted future chief executives might face more constraints when Beijing loyalists packed the Election Committee. “Vested interests will have more say in future. Mainland officials may not have thought through the possible aftermath when they came up with a zero-risk electoral system,” he said. ( Hong Kong elections reform: a patriots-only game or circuit-breaker against radicalisation? The effect of Beijing’s plans on city’s opposing camps (quoting former minister Anthony Cheung Bing-leung).)
There is, of course, much more to the reform than this focus on "patriots." The legislation, once finalized, will be worth careful study. But it ought to be understood as a bridging reform. It moves Hong Kong decisively away from the liberal democratic camp. But at least one more substantial reform will be needed to move Hong Kong decisively within the socialist camp. Until then this system provides a temporary transition space. The text of the 关于《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（草案）》的说明 follows below along with a crude English translation.
2021年03月05日14:13 来源：新华网
新华社北京3月5日电
关于《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（草案）》的说明
——2021年3月5日在第十三届全国人民代表大会第四次会议上
全国人民代表大会常务委员会副委员长 王晨
各位代表：
我受全国人大常委会的委托，作关于《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（草案）》的说明。
一、完善香港特别行政区选举制度的必要性和重要性
香港回归祖国后重新纳入国家治理体系，《中华人民共和国宪法》和《中华人民共和国香港特别行政区基本法》共同构成香港特别行政区的宪制基础。香港特别行政区实行的选举制度包括行政长官的产生办法和立法会的产生办法，是香港特别行政区政治体制的重要组成部分，应当符合“一国两制”方针，符合香港特别行政区实际情况，确保“爱国者治港”，有利于维护国家主权、安全、发展利益，保持香港长期繁荣稳定。香港回归以来，国家始终坚持全面准确贯彻落实“一国两制”、“港人治港”、高度自治的方针，坚持依法治港，维护宪法和香港基本法确定的香港特别行政区宪制秩序，支持香港特别行政区民主发展，保障香港特别行政区居民依法行使民主权利。同时必须看到，近几年来，特别是2019年香港发生“修例风波”以来，反中乱港势力和本土激进分离势力公然鼓吹“港独”等主张，通过香港特别行政区选举平台、立法会和区议会议事平台或者利用有关公职人员身份，肆无忌惮进行反中乱港活动，极力瘫痪香港特别行政区立法会运作，阻挠香港特别行政区政府依法施政；策划并实施所谓“预选”，妄图通过选举掌控香港立法会主导权，进而夺取香港管治权；一些外国和境外势力通过立法、行政等方式和驻港领事机构、非政府组织等渠道公然干预香港事务，对我国有关人员粗暴进行所谓“制裁”，明目张胆为香港反中乱港势力撑腰打气、提供保护伞。这些行为和活动，严重损害香港特别行政区的宪制秩序和法治秩序，严重挑战宪法、香港基本法和香港国安法权威，严重危害国家主权、安全、发展利益，严重破坏香港社会大局稳定，必须予以坚决反对并采取有力措施防范和化解风险。
香港社会出现的一些乱象表明，香港特别行政区现行的选举制度机制存在明显的漏洞和缺陷，为反中乱港势力夺取香港特别行政区管治权提供了可乘之机。为此，必须采取必要措施完善香港特别行政区选举制度，消除制度机制方面存在的隐患和风险，确保以爱国者为主体的“港人治港”，确保在香港特别行政区依法施政和有效治理，确保香港“一国两制”实践始终沿着正确方向前进。
早在1984年6月，邓小平同志就明确指出：“港人治港有个界线和标准，就是必须由以爱国者为主体的港人来治理香港。”“什么叫爱国者？爱国者的标准是，尊重自己民族，诚心诚意拥护祖国恢复行使对香港的主权，不损害香港的繁荣和稳定。”香港自古以来就是中国的领土，香港特别行政区是中华人民共和国不可分离的部分，是中华人民共和国的一个享有高度自治权的地方行政区域、直辖于中央人民政府。“爱国者治港”是“一国两制”方针的应有之义。香港基本法关于香港特别行政区行政长官以及行政机关、立法机关、司法机关组成人员的规定，贯穿着由以爱国者为主体的港人治港的原则，要求行政长官、主要官员、行政会议成员、立法会议员、各级法院法官和其他司法人员都必须拥护中华人民共和国香港特别行政区基本法，效忠中华人民共和国香港特别行政区。2019年10月，党的十九届四中全会《决定》提出，坚持和完善“一国两制”制度体系，完善特别行政区同宪法和基本法实施相关的制度和机制，坚持以爱国者为主体的“港人治港”。2021年1月27日，习近平主席在听取香港特别行政区行政长官2020年度述职报告时强调，香港由乱及治的重大转折，再次昭示了一个深刻道理，那就是要确保“一国两制”实践行稳致远，必须始终坚持“爱国者治港”；这是事关国家主权、安全、发展利益，事关香港长期繁荣稳定的根本原则；只有做到“爱国者治港”，中央对特别行政区的全面管治权才能得到有效落实，宪法和基本法确立的宪制秩序才能得到有效维护，各种深层次问题才能得到有效解决，香港才能实现长治久安，并为实现中华民族伟大复兴作出应有的贡献。香港特别行政区实行的选举制度，包括行政长官的产生办法和立法会的产生办法，必须切实贯彻和全面体现以爱国者为主体的“港人治港”的政治原则和标准并为此提供相应的制度保障。
二、完善香港特别行政区选举制度的总体要求、重要原则、基本思路和推进方式
完善香港特别行政区选举制度的总体要求是，坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻党的十九大和十九届二中、三中、四中、五中全会精神，坚持和完善“一国两制”制度体系，从制度机制上全面贯彻、体现和落实“爱国者治港”的原则，确保管治权牢牢掌握在爱国爱港力量手中，确保香港长治久安和长期繁荣稳定。
贯彻上述总体要求，必须遵循和把握好以下重要原则。一是全面准确贯彻“一国两制”、“港人治港”、高度自治的方针。坚持和完善“一国两制”制度体系，坚持以爱国者为主体的“港人治港”，把坚持“一国”原则和尊重“两制”差异、维护中央对特别行政区全面管治权和保障特别行政区高度自治权结合起来，为“爱国者治港”提供健全的制度保障。二是坚定维护国家主权、安全、发展利益。确保国家牢牢掌握完善香港特别行政区选举制度主导权，全面落实香港国安法，维护香港特别行政区社会大局稳定，坚决防范、制止和惩治外国和境外势力干预香港事务和利用香港进行分裂、颠覆、渗透、破坏活动。三是坚持依法治港。维护宪法和香港基本法确定的香港特别行政区宪制秩序，在宪法和香港基本法轨道上完善有关选举制度和相关机制，严格依照香港基本法、香港国安法、全国人大及其常委会有关决定和香港本地法律组织有关选举活动，提高依法治理能力和水平。四是符合香港实际情况。发展符合香港实际情况、体现社会整体利益的民主选举制度，依法保障香港同胞广泛的、均衡的政治参与，依法保障香港永久性居民依法享有的选举权和被选举权，团结一切可以团结的力量，广泛凝聚香港社会正能量。五是提高香港特别行政区治理效能。健全行政长官对中央人民政府负责的制度，维护行政主导的香港特别行政区治理架构和运行机制，支持行政长官和行政机关、立法机关、司法机关依法行使职权、履行职责，确保香港特别行政区政治体制和治理体制机制顺畅、有效运行。
完善香港特别行政区选举制度的总体思路是：以对香港特别行政区选举委员会重新构建和增加赋权为核心进行总体制度设计，调整和优化选举委员会的规模、组成和产生办法，继续由选举委员会选举产生行政长官，并赋予选举委员会选举产生较大比例的立法会议员和直接参与提名全部立法会议员候选人的新职能，通过选举委员会扩大香港社会均衡有序的政治参与和更加广泛的代表性，对有关选举要素作出适当调整，同时建立全流程资格审查机制，进而形成一套符合香港实际情况、有香港特色的新的民主选举制度。
香港特别行政区目前实行的选举制度，是根据香港基本法有关规定、全国人大常委会有关解释和决定以及香港本地有关法律规定确定的。香港基本法第45条、第68条等作出了原则性规定，香港基本法附件一和附件二以及有关修正案作出了具体明确的规定。中央和国家有关部门在综合分析和全面评估的基础上，认为有必要从国家层面修改完善香港特别行政区有关选举制度，主要是修改香港特别行政区行政长官的产生办法和立法会的产生办法；同时，考虑到保持香港特别行政区相关制度的连续性和稳定性，本次完善香港特别行政区有关选举制度，可以只修改香港基本法附件一和附件二，不涉及修改香港基本法正文。中央和国家有关部门经认真研究并与有关方面沟通后，提出采取“决定+修法”的方式，分步予以推进和完成。第一步，全国人民代表大会根据宪法和香港基本法、香港国安法的有关规定，作出关于完善香港特别行政区选举制度的决定，明确修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度应当遵循的基本原则和修改完善的核心要素内容，并授权全国人民代表大会常务委员会根据本决定修改香港基本法附件一和附件二。第二步，全国人大常委会根据宪法、香港基本法、香港国安法和全国人大有关决定，修订香港基本法附件一《香港特别行政区行政长官的产生办法》和附件二《香港特别行政区立法会的产生办法和表决程序》，修订后的附件一和附件二将对香港特别行政区实行的新的民主选举制度作出具体明确的规定。在国家层面完成对附件一和附件二的修订后，香港特别行政区将据此对本地有关法律作出相应修改。
2021年2月27日至28日，第十三届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第二十六次会议听取和审议了《国务院关于修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度和有关建议的报告》。会议同意国务院这个报告提出的关于修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度的建议。在此基础上，根据宪法、香港基本法、香港国安法的有关规定和全国人大及其常委会的有关决定，结合香港特别行政区具体情况，全国人大常委会法制工作委员会拟订了《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（草案）》，经全国人大常委会审议后决定提请十三届全国人大四次会议审议。
三、关于决定草案的内容
《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（草案）》分为导语和正文两部分。导语部分扼要说明作出这一决定的目的和法律依据。全国人民代表大会拟作出的相关决定，是根据《中华人民共和国宪法》第三十一条和第六十二条第二项、第十四项、第十六项的规定，以及《中华人民共和国香港特别行政区基本法》、《中华人民共和国香港特别行政区维护国家安全法》的有关规定，充分考虑了完善香港特别行政区有关选举制度的现实需要和香港特别行政区的具体情况，就完善香港特别行政区选举制度，推动适合香港实际的民主政治制度发展，作出新的宪制性制度安排。这一制度安排，符合宪法规定和宪法原则，符合香港基本法，具有坚实的政治基础和法治基础，将确保实现以爱国者为主体的“港人治港”，有力保障香港“一国两制”实践行稳致远。
决定草案正文部分规定了修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度应当遵循的基本原则和修改完善的核心要素内容，同时授权全国人民代表大会常务委员会根据本决定修改香港基本法附件一和附件二。中央和国家有关部门在研究修改完善香港特别行政区选举制度的过程中，统筹考虑了作出本决定和下一步修订香港基本法附件一和附件二的有关问题，并已作出相应的工作安排。全国人大作出本决定后，全国人大常委会将根据本决定会同有关方面及早启动相关修法程序，修订香港基本法附件一和附件二。修订后的香港基本法附件一和附件二经依法公布施行后，原附件一和附件二以及有关修正案同时废止。
《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（草案）》和以上说明，请审议。
——At the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress on March 5, 2021
Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wang Chen
Distinguished delegates:
I was entrusted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to give an explanation on the "Decision of the National People's Congress on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Election System (Draft)".
1. The necessity and importance of perfecting the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Hong Kong was re-incorporated into the national governance system after its return to the motherland. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China jointly constitute the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The electoral system implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the method for the formation of the Legislative Council, is an important part of the political system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It should conform to the principle of "one country, two systems" and the actual conditions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. "Hong Kong" is conducive to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. Since the return of Hong Kong, the country has always adhered to the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong", and a high degree of autonomy, insisting on governing Hong Kong according to law, maintaining the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as determined by the Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, and supporting democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Develop and protect the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise their democratic rights in accordance with the law. At the same time, it must be noted that in recent years, especially since the "Regulations Amendment Disturbance" occurred in Hong Kong in 2019, anti-China forces and local radical separatist forces have openly advocated "Hong Kong independence" and other propositions through the election platform of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Legislative Council. With the district council meeting platform or using the status of relevant public officials to unscrupulously carry out anti-China and disrupt Hong Kong activities, try to paralyze the operation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Legislative Council and obstruct the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s administration according to law; plan and implement the so-called "pre-election" in an attempt to control Hong Kong through elections The Legislative Council leads the way, and then seizes the power of governance in Hong Kong; some foreign and foreign forces openly interfere in Hong Kong affairs through legislative, administrative and other channels, consular agencies in Hong Kong, non-governmental organizations and other channels, and brutally impose so-called "sanctions" on relevant personnel in China. Brazenly support and encourage Hong Kong's anti-China forces and provide a protective umbrella. These actions and activities have seriously damaged the constitutional order and the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, seriously challenged the authority of the Constitution, Hong Kong Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law, seriously jeopardized national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and seriously undermined the overall stability of Hong Kong society. They must be resolute. Oppose and take effective measures to prevent and defuse risks.
Some chaos in Hong Kong society shows that there are obvious loopholes and shortcomings in the current electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which provides an opportunity for anti-China chaos in Hong Kong to seize the power of governance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. To this end, necessary measures must be taken to improve the election system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, eliminate hidden dangers and risks in the system and mechanism, ensure that “Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong” with patriots as the main body, ensure that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is governed by law and effective governance, and that Hong Kong The practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has always been moving in the right direction.
As early as June 1984, Comrade Deng Xiaoping clearly pointed out: "Hong Kong people have a boundary and standard for governing Hong Kong, that is, Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body must govern Hong Kong." "What is a patriot? What is the standard for a patriot? Respect one’s own nation, and sincerely support the motherland’s restoration of its sovereignty over Hong Kong, without jeopardizing Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.” Hong Kong has been China’s territory since ancient times, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China and belongs to the People’s Republic of China. A local administrative area enjoying a high degree of autonomy is directly under the Central People's Government. "Patriots governing Hong Kong" is the proper meaning of the "one country, two systems" policy. The provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law concerning the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the members of the executive, legislative, and judicial organs run through the principle of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong with patriots as the main body, requiring the Chief Executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council, and the Legislative Council Members, court judges at all levels, and other judicial personnel must uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and be loyal to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. In October 2019, the "Decision" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed to uphold and improve the system of "one country, two systems", improve the systems and mechanisms related to the implementation of the Constitution and the Basic Law in the Special Administrative Region, and adhere to the "Hong Kong" with patriots as the main body. People govern Hong Kong". On January 27, 2021, when President Xi Jinping listened to the 2020 annual report of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, he emphasized that Hong Kong’s major transition from chaos and governance once again revealed a profound truth, that is, to ensure that the practice of "one country, two systems" is stable and far-reaching. , We must always adhere to "patriots ruling Hong Kong"; this is a fundamental principle that concerns national sovereignty, security, development interests, and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong; only by achieving "patriots ruling Hong Kong", the central government will fully manage the special administrative region. Only the governance power can be effectively implemented, the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law can be effectively maintained, various deep-seated problems can be effectively resolved, and Hong Kong can achieve long-term peace and stability and make its due contribution to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The electoral system implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including the method for selecting the Chief Executive and the method for forming the Legislative Council, must effectively implement and fully embody the political principles and standards of "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" with patriots as the main body, and provide corresponding systems for this. Guaranteed.
2. The overall requirements, important principles, basic ideas, and methods of advancing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system
The overall requirement for improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to fully implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Plenary Sessions of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Improve the "one country, two systems" system, fully implement, embody and implement the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" from the institutional mechanism, ensure that the power of governance is firmly in the hands of the patriotic and love Hong Kong forces, and ensure the long-term stability and long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
To implement the above general requirements, the following important principles must be followed and grasped. The first is to fully and accurately implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Adhere to and improve the "one country, two systems" system, adhere to the "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" with patriots as the main body, adhere to the "one country" principle and respect the differences between the "two systems", safeguard the central government's overall governance over the special administrative region, and guarantee the special administrative region The combination of a high degree of autonomy provides a sound system guarantee for "patriots ruling Hong Kong." The second is to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Ensure that the country firmly grasps and perfects the leadership of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system, fully implements the Hong Kong National Security Law, maintains the overall social stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and resolutely prevents, stops and punishes foreign and foreign forces from interfering in Hong Kong affairs and using Hong Kong to divide, subvert, and infiltrate , Sabotage. The third is to adhere to the rule of law in Hong Kong. Maintain the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as determined by the Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, improve the relevant electoral system and related mechanisms on the track of the Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, and strictly follow the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, the relevant decisions of the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee, and the local laws of Hong Kong Organize relevant election activities to improve the ability and level of governance in accordance with the law. Fourth, it conforms to the actual situation in Hong Kong. Develop a democratic election system that conforms to the actual conditions of Hong Kong and reflects the overall interests of the society, guarantees the broad and balanced political participation of Hong Kong compatriots in accordance with the law, protects the right to vote and stand for election enjoyed by Hong Kong permanent residents in accordance with the law, unites all forces that can be united, and gathers extensively Positive energy in Hong Kong society. The fifth is to improve the governance efficiency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Improve the system for the Chief Executive to be accountable to the Central People’s Government, maintain the administrative structure and operating mechanism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, support the Chief Executive and the administrative, legislative, and judicial organs to exercise their powers and perform their duties in accordance with the law, and ensure that the political system and operation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region The governance system and mechanism are operating smoothly and effectively.
The overall idea of improving the election system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is to design the overall system with the restructuring and empowerment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Election Commission as the core, adjust and optimize the size, composition and formation methods of the Election Commission, and continue to be elected by the Election Commission The Chief Executive has given the Election Committee the new function of electing a larger proportion of Legislative Council members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the Legislative Council. Through the Election Committee, it will expand Hong Kong’s balanced and orderly political participation and broader representation in society. Appropriate adjustments have been made to relevant election elements and a full-process qualification review mechanism has been established to form a new democratic election system that is in line with the actual situation in Hong Kong and has Hong Kong characteristics.
The electoral system currently implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is determined in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Basic Law, relevant interpretations and decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and relevant local laws and regulations in Hong Kong. Article 45 and Article 68 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong have stipulated in principle, and Annex I and Annex II of the Basic Law of Hong Kong and relevant amendments have made specific and clear provisions. On the basis of comprehensive analysis and comprehensive assessment, the central and relevant state departments believe that it is necessary to modify and improve the relevant election system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the national level, mainly to modify the method for the formation of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the method for the formation of the Legislative Council; at the same time, Taking into account the maintenance of the continuity and stability of the relevant systems of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, this time to improve the relevant electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, only Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the Hong Kong Basic Law can be amended, and no amendments to the body of the Hong Kong Basic Law are involved. After careful study and communication with relevant parties, the central and relevant state departments proposed to adopt the method of "decision + amendment" to advance and complete it step by step. In the first step, the National People’s Congress, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, made a decision on improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system, clearly revising and improving the basic principles and the core of the amendment and perfection of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. And authorize the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to amend Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the Hong Kong Basic Law in accordance with this decision. In the second step, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, in accordance with the Constitution, Hong Kong Basic Law, Hong Kong National Security Law, and relevant decisions of the National People’s Congress, amends Annex I of the Hong Kong Basic Law "Methods for the Formation of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" and Annex II "Methods for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" "And Voting Procedure", the revised Annex I and Annex II will make specific and clear provisions on the new democratic election system implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. After completing the amendments to Annex I and Annex II at the national level, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will make corresponding amendments to relevant local laws accordingly.
From February 27 to 28, 2021, the 26th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress heard and considered the "Report of the State Council on Amending and Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Electoral System and Related Recommendations." The meeting agreed to the proposal made in this report of the State Council on revising and improving the election system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On this basis, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law and the relevant decisions of the National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee, combined with the specific circumstances of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Legislative Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress The Decision on Improving the Election System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Draft)", after deliberation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, decided to submit it to the Fourth Session of the 13th National People's Congress for deliberation.
3. Regarding the contents of the draft decision
The "Decision of the National People's Congress on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Electoral System (Draft)" is divided into two parts: the introduction and the main text. The introductory part briefly explains the purpose and legal basis for making this decision. The relevant decisions to be made by the National People’s Congress are based on the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and Article 62, paragraphs 2, 14, and 16, and the provisions of the "People’s Republic of China" The relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Maintenance of National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China fully consider the actual needs of improving the relevant electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the specific conditions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , To promote the development of a democratic political system that suits Hong Kong’s reality, and to make new constitutional institutional arrangements. This institutional arrangement complies with constitutional provisions and constitutional principles, and is in line with Hong Kong’s Basic Law. It has a solid political and legal basis. It will ensure the realization of "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" with patriots as the main body, and effectively guarantee the stability and long-term practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong. .
The text of the draft decision stipulates the basic principles and core elements that should be followed to modify and improve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system. At the same time, it authorizes the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to modify Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the Hong Kong Basic Law in accordance with this decision. In the process of studying the revision and improvement of the election system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the central and relevant state departments have taken overall consideration of the relevant issues related to the making of this decision and the next revision of Annex I and Annex II of the Hong Kong Basic Law, and have made corresponding work arrangements. After the National People's Congress has made this decision, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will, in conjunction with relevant parties, initiate the relevant amendment procedures as soon as possible in accordance with this decision, and amend Annex I and Annex II of the Hong Kong Basic Law. After the revised Annex I and Annex II of the Hong Kong Basic Law are promulgated and implemented in accordance with the law, the original Annex I and Annex II and the relevant amendments shall be repealed at the same time.
"Decision of the National People's Congress on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Electoral System (Draft)" and the above explanation, please review.
(Editor in charge: Ren Lin, Ma Chang)
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