Secretary for Constitutional ＆ Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam says the Government is open-minded on Hong Kong's constitutional development and has not formed any specific views on the way forward or ruled out any options.

He told radio audiences today the Green Paper on Constitutional Development lists key issues which summarise the 323 submissions received in the past for the public to explore the possible options for Hong Kong's political reform.Views will also be collected from district councils and different sectors of the community.

Mr Lam said the green paper and consultation serve to forge broad consensus on universal suffrage within the community. After consultation ends on October 10, the bureau will summarise the views received and assess whether a mainstream view can be formed as the basis for taking the work forward.

He stressed the mainstream option must gain support from 60% of the people, two-thirds of lawmakers, the Chief Executive and the Central People's Government.

Noting the Government is as sincere as it is determined to implement universal suffrage, Mr Lam pointed out consensus can only be reached with the participation of the political parties, lawmakers and organisations from different quarters, as well as members of the public. 

He said it is time to identify for Hong Kong a set of solutions to allow constitutional development to progress in a clear direction towards further political maturity in a steady manner.

On models for electing the Chief Executive by universal suffrage, he suggested the public first consider the composition and size of the nominating committee, before exploring the  nomination and selection methods.

The Green Paper on Constitutional Development, published on Wednesday, outlines the options, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.

People can send in their views to the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau by October 10 by post to 3/F, Main Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, faxing them to 2523 3207 or emailing them to views@cmab-gpcd.gov.hk.