Hong Kong's new electoral system expected to better serve residents' interests

Hong Kong's democracy under the revamped electoral system will better serve residents' interests, as more talented patriots committed to improving people's livelihoods are expected in the new Legislative Council, political heavyweights and representatives from various sectors said on Tuesday.

Their remarks came after Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a local event on Monday that blind pursuit of Western-style democracy had brought more harm than benefits to Hong Kong.

Xia also said that the revamped electoral system in Hong Kong is expected to bring diversity and balanced participation to the Legislative Council.

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor agreed with Xia, saying that there is no one-size-fits-all democracy.

"What's the point of having the so-called democracy if people are suffering?" Lam said.

Lam said Hong Kong's democracy must follow what is provided for in the Basic Law, which was promulgated by the National People's Congress, China's top legislature. She said that Hong Kong operates under the principle of "one country, two systems", and will continue to abide by it.

She vowed that the Legislative Council election, which will be held on Dec 19, will be "fair and open".

Lam said she fully agreed with Xia's remarks on the improvements in the electoral system, which emphasize the principles of "patriots administering Hong Kong", respecting diversity and having more candidates with different backgrounds.

Lam said she expects the new Legislative Council to be more rational and prepared to cooperate with the executive branch to further the interests of Hong Kong.

Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy director of the Hong Kong SAR Basic Law Committee of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that Hong Kong's pursuit of Western-style democracy in the past resulted in social rifts and antagonism, for which the city had paid a great price.

Now it's necessary to concentrate on the implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong" to ensure that the city's governance will center on the interests of its people, Tam said.

Daryl Ng Win-kong, chairman of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, said the new electoral system has helped realize a true modern democracy that conforms to the common interests of the vast majority in Hong Kong.

Noting that the system has brought more diversified, professional and peaceful political participation in the city, Ng said he is glad to see that candidates have put forward practical political platforms that can truly contribute to the wellbeing of Hong Kong people.

The election will see a record 4.5 million registered voters return 90 legislators in three different constituencies: geographical, functional and Election Committee.

Over 50,000 Hong Kong SAR government staff members have been mobilized to help out on election day－the most ever－with over 38,000 volunteering to serve at polling stations and during vote-counting and another 12,630 support staff members from departments such as the police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

For the first time, Hong Kong voters living on the Chinese mainland have registered to vote, with 18,215 having done so by 6 pm on Monday.

They will be able to vote at temporary polling stations at Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and Heung Yuen Wai－the city's three border checkpoints.