The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau has rejected allegations from legislators that there are "traps" hidden in the Green Paper on Constitutional Development.

Responding to press enquiries today, the bureau said the allegation is untrue and ungrounded. It said the paper aims to gauge public views on issues relating to universal suffrage, and that at this stage, the Government refrains from taking a stance on the matter.

The paper has presented to the public all the proposals on the implementation of universal suffrage in a systemic and structured manner. It is hoped that after adequate discussion within the community a consensus and mainstream view can emerge.

It is a responsible way to present systematically in the green paper the main elements contained in 300 proposals the bureau has received. This can enable the public to discuss and make choices on the different options, a roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage.

On the requirement of "nomination by the nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures", the paper sets out all relevant views received. After the community has reached consensus on the number of candidates available for election, detailed procedures can be discussed further and agreed upon.