The Constitutional Development Task Force's fifth report has taken forward Hong Kong's constitutional development substantively towards the ultimate aim of universal suffrage, Chief Secretary Rafael Hui says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Hui said, under the proposals, close to 60% of the seats in the fourth-term Legislative Council will be returned by geographical constituencies.

In addition, the Government has promised it will not introduce any new functional constituencies to the LegCo in the future, he said.

Mr Hui admitted that under the present situation, it is difficult to gain the endorsement of the proposals from two-thirds of LegCo.

Noting the proposal outlined inthe 5^th report is only the framework for future constitutional development, Mr Hui said the Government is open-minded on the detailed arrangements of the Chief Executive's election in 2007 and the LegCo elections in 2008.

He called on the community to express their opinions as their views are crucial in formulating the future blueprint for the election arrangements.

Gov't will fight for community's support

He said the Government has not decided whether it will conduct an opinion poll on the report, adding it will continue to fight for the community's support.

He reiterated appointed District Council members now enjoy the right to vote in the elections, adding the Government has no reason to end this practice.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam noted the proposals have taken into account different sectors' views, adding it is the proposal that is most likely to gain the LegCo's support.