Electoral law takes effect

May 31, 2021

The Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance 2021 was published in the gazette and came into effect today, the Government announced.

 

The ordinance serves to implement the decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passed by the National People's Congress (NPC) on March 11 and the amended Annexes I and II to the Basic Law adopted by the Standing Committee of the NPC on March 30, as well as a host of improvement measures for public elections.

 

Pursuant to Article 7 of the decision, the Hong Kong SAR Government shall, according to the decision and the amended Annexes I and II to the Basic Law, amend the relevant local legislation and organise and regulate relevant electoral activities in accordance with the law.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to implement the improved electoral system by way of local legislation.

 

It emphasised that improving the electoral system can put in place institutional safeguards to ensure a full application of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, thereby getting Hong Kong back on the right track and ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” as well as the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will properly organise and conduct the upcoming Election Committee Subsector Elections, the Legislative Council General Election and the Chief Executive Election in accordance with the relevant amended electoral legislation.

 

It will also work closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission and the Registration & Electoral Office to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair, just and open manner.

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