The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has approved and recorded the amendment to annex I to the Basic Law concerning the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the amendment to annex II to the Basic Law concerning the method for the formation of the Legislative Council.

Welcoming the decision, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said it signifies the completion of the five-step legislative process for amending the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming LegCol, realising the aspirations of the whole community to roll forward constitutional development.

"Hong Kong people have come a long way on constitutional development. Today is the first time since the reunification that we have managed to complete the procedures stipulated in the Basic Law to amend the methods for selecting the CE and for forming LegCo. It is a hard-won outcome by the strenuous efforts of many.

"What remains to be done is local legislation on the two electoral methods in 2012 and the abolition of the District Council appointment system. I am sure that all parties will spare no efforts in pursuing this in the best interest of Hong Kong."

The Government will submit legislative proposals on the two electoral methods in 2012 to LegCo after taking into account different parties' views. It is hoped that they will be passed by LegCo by next May.