Top task: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang and Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung brief legislators on the Chief Executive By-election.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang assures the Government will work to clear any hurdles in the lead-up to the July Chief Executive By-election.

Mr Tsang told the Legislative Council today it is the community's wish to complete the by-election process as soon as possible.

Facts checked

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said she has studied the two-year term issue with Mainland experts and examined the original intent of the draft Basic Law, and said the next Chief Executive should serve the remainder of the unfinished term.

Mr Tsang called on the community to discuss the matter thoroughly to reach a compromise. He respects the right for people to lodge a judicial review, but called on legal contenders to consider first the public's wish of a speedy election process. He is confident the Court of Final Appeal will handle the matter with priority and resolve any legal disputes before election day.

Good co-operation

In response to queries over his relations with Executive Councillors, sparked by the absence of four members from the urgent meeting held on March 12, Mr Tsang said due to the time constraints involved that day that he understood why some members were unavailable.

He said all four have expressed their support for him over the phone, adding that all principal officials and Executive Councillors have agreed to continue their duties.

Mr Tsang said he will continue to win the support of legislators, and called for the community to stand united in the face of change. He pledged the Government will maintain policy continuity to guarantee law and order, social stability and smooth market operation.