Hong Kong must take the road less travelled and support political reform package
Carrie Lam urges all of Hong Kong to get behind the proposals to elect the chief executive by universal suffrage in 2017, as missing this golden opportunity would leave us stuck in a political time warp
The Hong Kong government yesterday released its proposals for the election of the chief executive in 2017 by universal suffrage. The proposals come after two rounds of public consultations that started back in December 2013 and ended last month.
But these proposals are not just the culmination of a 16-month period of discussion, debate and, at times, divisive protest. They are the culmination of an 18-year journey for Hong Kong's political system since our return to China in 1997.
They also represent a historic milestone for our country some 25 years after the election of the chief executive by universal suffrage was promulgated in our constitutional document, the Basic Law, by the National People's Congress.
During our wide-ranging consultations, one thing was very clear: Hong Kong people eagerly look forward to casting their own ballots to elect the next chief executive in 2017.
To make this aspiration come true, our legislators must approve the proposals by a two-thirds majority - that is, 47 of the 70 seats. We hope the vote on this will take place before the summer recess in July.
This will be a hard task, since 27 lawmakers have repeatedly vowed to veto the package. I surely hope that they will change their minds, heed public opinion and seize their place in history.
