Petition signed by 2.38 mln for improving Hong Kong's electoral system presented to liaison office of central gov't

HONG KONG, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A petition signed by over 2.38 million people here in support of improving Hong Kong's electoral system was presented to the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday.

A press conference is held in Hong Kong, south China to show support for improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, March 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

At a ceremony held in the morning, Luo Huining, director of the office, said the petition will be transferred to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee as soon as possible.

The petition was launched by various organizations in Hong Kong to voice local residents' support for a decision adopted by the NPC, China's top legislature, on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR. During the signature collection that lasted 11 days till March 21, some 1.21 million Hong Kong residents signed their names at street booths and 1.17 million others signed online.

Luo said he saw consensus of the Hong Kong society in the petition signed by people from all walks of life.

The petition demonstrates genuine support from the general public in the HKSAR for the central authorities to right the wrongs in Hong Kong, their strong opposition to "black terror" and "mutual destruction," and a firm determination to reject foreign and external interference, he said.

The NPC Standing Committee will amend Annex I and Annex II to the HKSAR Basic Law next week. After the amendment at the state level is completed, the HKSAR will amend relevant local laws accordingly.

Fully implementing the NPC's decision is a common responsibility of the HKSAR government, legislature and various sectors, Luo said, adding that Hong Kong people safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as Hong Kong's overall and long-term interests will enable Hong Kong to have a bright future.

Conveners of the petition Tam Yiu-chung, Lee Wai-king and Ng Chau-pei said at the ceremony that Hong Kong people firmly support the NPC's decision and hope the amendment will help Hong Kong put an end to chaos and resume peace and prosperity.