Hong Kong Basic Law Article 45
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Hong Kong Basic Law Article 45 (traditional Chinese: 香港基本法第四十五條) is a controversial article in the Basic Law (constitution) of Hong Kong. It states that the Chief executive should be chosen by universal suffrage as an eventual goal. Its speedy implementation is advocated by the Basic Law Article 45 Concern Group.
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[edit] Contents of Article 45
Article 45 gives the requirements for choosing the Chief Executive. Annex I does likewise in a more specific manner.
| “ | "The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People's Government.[1]" | ” |
| “ | "The method for selecting the Chief Executive shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.[1]" | ” |
[edit] Controversy
The controversy exists due to the law stipulates that the election should move towards universal suffrage in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. Different camps interpret "gradual and orderly" differently, with the pro-government camp interpret this as up to 49 years and the pro-democratic camp interpret this to as little as 10 years starting from the 2007 Chief Executive election. Pro-beijing camp members such as Elsie Leung have insisted the opposite, that Article 45 have never promised universal suffrage as an aim.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b HK basic law web pdf. "HK basic law." The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Retrieved on 2007-01-08.
- ^ News.gov.hk. "News.gov.hk." Dialogue, consensus, key to reform. Article May 19, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
