Electoral System Set For The Long Term: John Lee

Chief Executive-elect John Lee said on Tuesday the incoming government will maintain Hong Kong's current electoral system for a long period of time.

He made the remark in response to a question about electoral reform after returning from Beijing, where he met President Xi Jinping and received his appointment letter from Premier Li Keqiang.

"President Xi has made it very clear, that the improved electoral system is in full conformation with the principle of One Country, Two Systems, and is [adopted having] taken consideration of the actual situation of Hong Kong, and satisfies the development needs of Hong Kong - and it should be maintained for a long period of time," Lee told reporters at the airport.

"The sixth term government will of course uphold this position and maintain the system for a long period of time."

Lee said during the meetings, he reported to the state leaders on the latest situation in Hong Kong, including the challenges for reopening the border with the mainland.

He said Premier Li told him the SAR needs to do its best to control the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lee again thanked the central government for its support and trust, saying he's very honoured to be appointed for this "immense responsibility" and will do his best to live up to the trust and the people's expectations.

The CE-elect revealed that he'd discussed the formation of his governing team with the head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, during a meeting on Tuesday. He said he would look to make announcements on this as soon as possible.

"I explained to him the thinking process and the qualifications that I'll be looking at at the candidates. I've also expressed to him, I'll be exercising my duty in this regard to form the team, and make the nominations to the [Central People's Government]," Lee said.

However, he said it's still not time to talk about actual names yet.

Lee added that while in Beijing, he did not have a separate meeting with Vice Premier Han Zheng, who's in charge of Hong Kong affairs.