Ending One-party Rule Backers Shouldn't Be Barred

The convenor of the Path of Democracy, Ronny Tong, said on Saturday that he has told the head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing that he disagrees with a suggestion to ban those who call for an end to one-party rule from running for the Legislative Council.

The idea was floated by a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Tam Yiu-chung.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Zhang Xiaoming, Tong said the suggestion goes against existing election laws, which do not require lawmakers to pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.

The Executive Council member refused to disclose what Zhang said in response, but it is understood that he said the suggestion does not reflect the official stance.