Editorial | Now is the time for the opposition to build bridges not burn them
- Beijing-imposed electoral reform has left some feeling despondent but there is still an opportunity for dialogue that must be seized
Beijing’s overhaul of Hong Kong’s political system is gathering pace. Details of the reforms, to be endorsed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, will be released soon. The aim is to have the new system in place by May.
The direction of the reforms, to achieve the central government’s aim of ensuring only “patriots” can govern Hong Kong, is clear.
But questions remain about the precise form the arrangements will take and the extent to which there will be a role for the democrats.
Senior mainland officials met with more than 1,000 business leaders, pro-establishment politicians and community figures over three days this week to discuss the changes. Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said he was in the city to listen to their views.
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Chinese premier addresses Hong Kong electoral changes, US-China relations, as ‘two sessions’ closes
We already knew the Election Committee, which has a big majority of pro-establishment members, would be given more power. It now appears the committee will hold the biggest share of seats in an expanded Legislative Council.
The number of directly elected seats is likely to be reduced. All election candidates will be vetted by a new committee to ensure they are sufficiently “patriotic”.
