The functional constituencies, comprising business chambers, professional bodies, trade unions and occupations such as teachers and social workers, have realised the principle of balanced participation, the Constitutional Affairs Bureau says.

Commenting on legislator Lee Cheuk-yan's remarks on universal suffrage in his Letter to Hong Kong broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong today, the bureau said it is incorrect to suggest Hong Kong's electoral system seeks merely to empower the business sector.

The bureau reiterated the Government is committed to promoting constitutional development according to the Basic Law. 

It said the Commission on Strategic Development's Committee on Governance & Political Development had detailed discussions on the concept and principles of universal suffrage at its meeting on January 20.

Broadly speaking, a universal suffrage system should be a one-man, one-vote system which may take the form of direct or indirect election.

Gov't willing to listen to views from all community sectors

The committee aimed at concluding discussions on the principles and concepts relating to universal suffrage by mid-2006, and on the design of a universal suffrage system for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council by early 2007.

The long-term composition of the Legislative Council and how universal suffrage can be implemented for the legislature are issues being pursued through the committee's discussions.

The bureau said it has not taken a view on the long-term future of functional constituency seats in the Legislative Council, and is willing to consider different views from all sectors of the community.