Democracy talk: Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says the issue of universal suffrage will naturally be resolved when the conditions are ripe.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says the universal suffrage issue will naturally be resolved when the conditions are ripe.

Speaking at a seminar on the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Basic Law today, Mr Lam said after the third-term Government has been established in July, a green paper on constitutional development will be published. It will form the basis for promoting public consultation on the issue of universal suffrage, he said, adding that the Government will strive to work out a set of answers to this issue for Hong Kong.

"Enabling Hong Kong's constitutional system to grow to maturity would involve not just the electoral systems, but also need political talent and the progressive evolution of governance traditions to complement the process," he said.

"The day the Chief Executive is returned by universal suffrage, Hong Kong's constitutional system will attain maturity. By that time, we will witness the convergence of the development of our electoral systems, political talent and governance traditions."

On the grooming of political talent, Mr Lam said the Government hopes that two layers of politically appointed deputy directors of bureau and assistants to directors of bureau will be created.