More forums will be held to find consensus in deciding the way forward on universal suffrage.

This was the message from Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang speaking today on the Fourth Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force.

The report found the community feels progress can be made towards the ultimate aim of universal suffrage, and that there can be more scope and more opportunity for public participation in the elections of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.

Although feedback remains generally diverse on how the two electoral methods can be amended, the basic direction is clear, that is, the CE's and the council's representativeness can be further enhanced.

The report gauged public views on methods for selecting the CE in 2007 and the council in 2008.

Wider representation

Respondents suggested more members for the Election Committee which elects the Chief Executive, as they feel increasing members to 1,200 or 1,600 will allow wider participation by different sectors of the community in choosing the next CE.

Respondents felt that more District Council members be included in the committee. They said its representativeness would be enhanced by suitably adjusting the composition of the committee's subsectors.

There were also proposals that consideration be given to replacing corporate voting by individual voting in the committee's subsector elections.

Mr Tsang said his aim is to find consensus among the Government, legislators and Mainland authorities, underpinned by public opinion, in deciding the way forward on universal suffrage. The Government will hold further public consultations on this matter.

Further forums set

"In the coming few months we will be consulting the public widely. We have in mind an open forum, inviting all members of the community to participate," Mr Tsang said, adding the exact details have not yet been worked out.

"Everyone will have the chance to express their view. I can promise any member of the public we will listen to their views carefully and take them into account."

Forums will also be held with District Councils. It is hoped a consensus will emerge by the middle of next year. The Task Force will then issue the Fifth Report and put forward a mainstream proposal. The public should forward their views on what package will be acceptable to all parties concerned by March 31.