CE Issues Statement on Referendum Motion

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has reiterated the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's position on a motion by some Legislative Council Members on a referendum on HKSAR’s constitutional development. 

"The motion on a referendum, raised by some Legislative Council Members, has caused serious concern in the community and among various parties,” he said. “The Basic Law has laid down clear provisions regarding constitutional development in Hong Kong and how the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council may be changed. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) made a decision on April 26 this year on the methods for the elections in 2007 and 2008.

"The SAR Government is of the view that any suggested means to deal with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008 which depart from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision, especially by way of a referendum as proposed in a motion by some Legislative Council members, is inappropriate, is inconsistent with the established legal procedures, is impractical and is misleading to the public,” he said. 

In conclusion, Mr Tung said, “The SAR Government will not consider any suggestion on constitutional development that departs from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision in dealing with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008. The SAR Government will also oppose any move, including a referendum, which departs from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision in dealing with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008." 

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