Legco Election Could Be Delayed For A Year

Sources have told RTHK that the government is studying the possibility of postponing the Legislative Council election for a year, with little hope that the Covid-19 outbreak will be brought under control by September.

The latest development comes ahead of the end of the nomination period on Friday.

The Legco election is slated for September 6.

There are reports that Chief Executive could invoke emergency powers introduced during the colonial era to “make any regulations whatsoever which he [or she] may consider desirable in the public interest” in case of “emergency or public danger”.

Some pro-establishment figures, among them National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung, have called for a delay in the vote in recent days, citing the coronavirus outbreak.

But the opposition camp – riding on its victory in last November’s district council elections – is against the idea.

Exco member Ronny Tong said the SAR government could then ask the NPC Standing Committee to rule on the length of the next term of Legco.

He pointed out that the CE has the power to request urgent council meetings to handle necessary legislation or resolutions, and the outgoing lawmakers will be regarded as lawful legislators, until the next election is completed.

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