The Constitutional Development Task Force has issued its third report and is now inviting views and specific proposals from the community regarding the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council.

The proposals must fall within the parameters specified by the National People's Congress Standing Committee's Interpretation of Annexes to the Basic Law, and its Decision on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the LegCo in 2008.

At a press conference this afternoon, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said he fully appreciates "that there is an aspiration in the community for returning the Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage."

He added: "I also understand that some people feel disappointed about not having universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008. But let me reiterate two points. First, the NPCSC's interpretation of the relevant provisions in the Basic Law and its decision on constitutional issues have been made entirely for the sake of Hong Kong's long-term interests, prosperity and stability.

"Second, the ultimate aim of having universal suffrage in our democratic development process will not change."

The task force's third report specifies the areas that may be considered for amendment and invites the public's views. The deadline for submissions is August 31.

Election Committee size, constitution may be changed

Under the Basic Law, the Chief Executive must still be chosen by a "broadly representative" Election Committee. The report suggests the number of members to this committee may be extended, beyond the current 800, allowing more members of different community sectors to take part.

The Election Committee is now made up of 200 members each from four different sectors. They are:

* industrial, commercial and financial sectors;

* the professions;

* labour, social services, religious and other sectors; and

* LegCo members, representatives of district-based organisations, HK deputies to the National People's Congress, and representatives of HK members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The report suggests that these four broad sectors could be retained or new ones created. The ratio of members allocated to each sector may also be changed, as can the number of subsectors in each sector, and the number of members in each subsector. There are now 38 subsectors.

Annex I of the Basic Law now requires candidates for the office of Chief Executive to garner nominations from at least 100 members of the Election Committee - and each member may nominate only one candidate. Consideration may be given to whether the required number of subscribers may be changed, the report says.

While about 163,500 voters cast their ballots to elect the Election Committee members, this number, too, may be expanded to increase the number of subsector constituents.

Geographical, functional constituencies to be equal in number

While the NPCSC has said that the two categories of seats in the LegCo must be equal in number, there is scope for change.

In the third term LegCo elections this September, there will be 30 seats for geographic constituents who are chosen by direct election by voters in their area.

There will also be 30 "functional constituent" seats, chosen only by those who are members of the constituency. Currently, 13,000 corporate bodies and 147,000 individuals are eligible to vote for the functional constituencies.

In 2008, however, the report suggests that the number of seats in these two categories could be increased, and the existing delimitations of the functional constituency seats may be changed.

Public's views, suggestions welcome

Copies of the report are available at the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the 18 District Offices or on the constitutional development website.

Members of the public are welcome to forward their views or specific proposals to the Constitutional Development Task Force Secretariat on or before August 31. They may send submissions by post to the secretariat at 3/F Main Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Central, by fax to 2523 3207, or by email, to views@cab-review.gov.hk.