'Electoral Changes Enhance The Quality Of Democracy'

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung has rejected criticism of Beijing's overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system, saying the changes will improve political participation and make the SAR more democratic.

Local and international critics have said Beijing's reform package for Hong Kong will stifle opposition voices, with the introduction of a vetting process to block candidates who are not considered to be "patriots".

The reforms will also see the Legislative Council grow from 70 to 90 seats, while the election committee that chooses the Chief Executive, and in future some lawmakers, will expand by 300 seats to 1,500.

Writing on his blog on Sunday, the city's number two official said the fact that both Legco and the election committee would increase in size shows Beijing's determination and sincerity in expanding the scope of democratic elections here.

Cheung claimed the reforms could ensure that all sectors of society are fully represented in the governing structure, and that there would be balanced participation in politics in a broadly representative system.

While critics have called the overhaul a regression in Hong Kong’s democratic development, the minister argued that’s simply not the case.

He stressed the changes would instead “enhance the quality of democracy here" and improve Hong Kong's governing efficiency.

Cheung’s comment comes after Chef Executive Carrie Lam said at an online session of the China Development Forum late on Saturday that the approved electoral changes, as well as the introduction of the national security law, have put Hong Kong back on "the right track" following the 2019 anti-government protests.

“Our country's sovereignty and security were clearly at risk and the HKSAR was thrown into dark abyss. The foundations for Hong Kong's stability were gravely shaken. There was simply no basis for the Chief Executive to promote Hong Kong to global businesses,” she said.

“But this evening, under the theme of 'The Development of Hong Kong in the Next Five Years', I speak with confidence that Hong Kong will thrive, and soar higher, in the next five years… these two important decisions … have put Hong Kong back on its right track, that is, fully and faithfully upholding 'One Country, Two Systems', safeguarding national security and ensuring Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.”