HKSAR electoral reform highlighted

Vice-Premier Han Zheng underlined "patriots administering Hong Kong" on Saturday and said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system reform should fit the SAR's realities.

Han, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, made the remarks at a meeting in Beijing with members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

It is necessary to always fully and accurately implement the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

Han stressed the need to ensure that Hong Kong's electoral system is in line with the city's realities to reflect the interests of society as a whole and to guarantee Hong Kong compatriots' extensive and balanced engagement in politics in accordance with the law.

He said patriots must hold the right to manage and administer Hong Kong.

Efforts should be made to ensure Hong Kong is always administered according to law, to improve the SAR's electoral system within the framework of the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law and to champion the constitutional order these establish, Han said.

He hailed the political advisers from Hong Kong and Macao for performing their duties conscientiously and voiced hopes that they can build on their efforts to make greater contributions to the "one country, two systems" principle.