Decision to improve HK's electoral system will ensure long-term stability: spokesperson
Xinhua
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BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- The decision to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is of great significance to ensuring Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, a spokesperson with China's top legislature said Thursday.

The decision, adopted by the National People's Congress (NPC), is a new institutional arrangement at the constitutional level concerning the HKSAR's electoral system, said Zang Tiewei, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee.

The arrangement conforms to the principle of running Hong Kong affairs according to law, and is suited to Hong Kong's realities, according to Zang.

It is conducive to safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, upholding the HKSAR's constitutional order as defined by the Constitution and the Basic Law, and improving the governance efficacy of the HKSAR, Zang added.

Zang called for its faithful implementation by all sides, including the HKSAR, to guarantee the central authorities' effective overall jurisdiction over the region.

The NPC Standing Committee will initiate the procedure to amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law at an early date, said Zang.

The Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee and relevant agencies will study and absorb advice and suggestions from all parties for related legislation by the NPC Standing Committee to provide solid legal support for ensuring the steady practice of the "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong in the long run.