Vote to begin on Hong Kong's election reform
Updated: 2015-06-17 07:48
By Timothy Chui in Hong Kong(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Residents wave banners condemning the opposition during a rally in support of the electoral reform package outside the Central Government Offices on June 11, 2015. Parker Zheng / China Daily |
The Hong Kong legislature is set to debate the single largest democratic reform in the city's history on Wednesday as a handful of lawmakers hold in their hands the fate of more than three decades of political wrangling over the issue of giving residents the right to vote for their leader.
The motion to amend the Basic Law and grant universal suffrage under a framework endorsed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress could come to a vote in the evening at the earliest, though three days have been set aside for speeches, questions and answers.
The government is seeking to secure the two-thirds majority vote needed to alter Hong Kong's mini-constitution.
If the proposal is passed, candidates for the role of chief executive will be vetted by a 1,200-strong committee made up of representatives from different economic, political and social sectors who may support multiple candidates and will recommend and nominate two or three candidates.
Candidates who secure support from at least half the nominating committee will then face the city's registered voters.
Related Stories
HK moves toward true universal suffrage 2015-06-16 07:52
Former member of HK SAR chief's election committee voices support to universal suffrage plan 2015-06-15 19:23
Central govt says HK universal suffrage package 'legal', 'practical' 2015-04-22 13:37
HK reveals universal suffrage package for 2017 leader 2015-04-22 11:25
Universal suffrage can be realized 2015-04-22 08:25
Universal suffrage is really the only poll that matters 2015-04-20 09:18
Today's Top News
Europe on alarm after first MERS death in Germany
Vote to begin on Hong Kong's election reform
Greek PM tears into lenders as euro zone prepares for 'Grexit'
Belgian King Philippe to visit China
China looks for a place in EC investment fund
Bank of China joins gold auction as first Asian bank
JF-17 fighter makes debut at Paris air show
Russia says will retaliate if US weapons stationed on its borders
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |