In session: Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang briefs the media at the Central Government Offices, flanked by Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung and Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam.

Hong Kong's next chief executive will be elected on July 10, and all officials will stay in their posts and continue working to ensure the city's stability until then.

This was the message from Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang tonight, briefing the media on his appointment after Tung Chee Hwa's resignation was accepted by the Central Government today.

He said all Executive Councillors will remain in office until the new Chief Executive is elected, and all principal officials will continue their work.

"The Government will continue to operate smoothly and normally. We will ensure effective governance and the continuity of policies, law and order, the smooth operation of the market, and the protection of investor interests," he said.

"Our primary task now is to ensure a fair and open election of the next chief executive. I am confident we will be able to maintain our momentum and social stability."

Mr Tsang called on the support of legislators and the community in maintaining Hong Kong's economic recovery.

"The Government will endeavour to maintain the stability of Hong Kong on all fronts, especially social and economic. But we cannot do the job alone. Without the support of the Legislative Council and the community, we will not succeed," he said.

2-year term

The next chief executive will serve a two-year term. Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung has studied the issue with Mainland experts and advised that, under Basic Law Article 53 the term of office should be the remainder of the original term.

A third-term chief executive will be elected in 2007 in accordance with the original timetable.

"After thorough study and deliberation, the Government has adjusted its understanding of the provisions of the Basic Law on the term of the chief executive. We agree that the term of a CE returned in a by-election is not five years but the remainder of the term of the outgoing CE," Ms Leung said.

Bill amendment

The Government will consider introducing a Legislative Council Bill to amend the Chief Executive Election Ordinance, adding provisions to deal with the case of the CE's office falling vacant before the term expires.

"The pressing task at hand is to focus our efforts on the implementation of the clarified provisions of the Basic Law and contribute to the smooth conduct of the by-election of the CE and the gradual and orderly progress of constitutional development," she said.

"Our home city needs stability and solidarity to enable us to fully grasp the long-awaited opportunities of economic revitalisation."