A proposal from some lawmakers to hold a referendum on the electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008 is simply not practical, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang says.

Speaking to the media today, Mr Tsang said the proposal is not in accordance with the procedures set out in the Basic Law with regard to reaching a consensus on constitutional development.

"It would amount to a waste of time and energy, and a needless distraction for the community," he added.

"All of us, whether we are a legislator or a member of the administration, have to be practical on constitutional development issues. We cannot contravene the decision taken by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on 26 April this year," he said.

"We all know that changing the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008 requires a consensus among three parties: two-thirds of LegCo, the Chief Executive, and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress."

At present, he said, the Constitutional Development Task Force is studying the views of the public regarding areas that can be considered for amendment for possible changes to the electoral methods for 2007 and 2008.

Fourth report to be released by year's end

He said the public had given valuable, practical and also reasoned views. These views will form the basis of the task force's fourth report, to be released before the end of this year.

The report will give a clear outline of these views, so that the public can discuss them in greater depth, and hopefully reach a consensus on a best way forward, he said.

"We hope that by mid-2005, that is the middle of next year, a consensus will emerge from the community. We shall then release the fifth report setting a mainstream proposal to facilitate further public discussion."