Legco secretariat slammed over handling of presidential election
Questions raised over why Andrew Leung’s nationality was not questioned ahead of election day, but secretariat says it ‘did not require’ such information
The Legislative Council secretariat has come under fire for failing to vet the nationality of Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen when he submitted his bid for presidency, leaving him to secure official proof that he was no longer a British citizen on election day.
James To Kun-sun, the democratic camp’s candidate for presidency, said the Legco secretariat had the discretion to decide whether such documents were required for verification, and in this case, they did not exercise it, which was a “very dangerous move”. The Legco president must be a Chinese citizen with no right of abode in any foreign country under Article 71 the Basic Law.
“It is only appropriate for [candidates for Legco president] to [declare their citizenship status] when handing in their applications, because by that stage, if you run unopposed, you basically win by default,” To said.
According to the three UK Home Office documents that Leung showed to the press, Leung applied to give up his British nationality on September 22.
Then on September 30, the Home Office informed Leung that his renunciation was registered and a “declaration of renunciation” was attached. But Leung said he did not receive the document.
