Consensus sought: Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam hopes the public can reach a consensus on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive for the third term and the 2008 Legislative Council Election in mid-2005.

The Government should have sufficient time to prepare for the 2007 Chief Executive Election if a consensus on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive for the third term and the 2008 Legislative Council Election can be reached in mid-2005, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Lam said this year is a critical moment for Hong Kong's constitutional development.

He hoped the public can reach a consensus on the essential elements of the two selection methods within this year, including the possibilities of expanding the Election Committee, and broadening its electorate base.

The Government will draft a bill to amend the related appendix of the Basic Law based on the public consensus and then table it to the Legislative Council this year.

Mr Lam hoped a final proposal can be submitted to the Central Government after getting the support of two-thirds of the lawmakers and the endorsement of the Chief Executive.

Legislative work to start next year

The Government plans to carry out the legislative work of the 2007 Chief Executive Election next year while the legislation concerning the 2008 LegCo Election will be handled in 2007.

Mr Lam believed that there should be sufficient time for public discussion.

If the public can not reach a consensus on the issue, the existing selection methods will be adopted. However, the Election Committee will have to be re-elected because its term has expired.

On the 2008 LegCo Election, Mr Lam said many people agree that the seats in the council should be increased to 70 or even 80.

Increase in number of LegCo seats helps development

Noting that Hong Kong has political talent, Mr Lam said increasing the number of LegCo seats would benefit the development of local political parties and Hong Kong's constitutional development.