Statement by Chief Executive's Office*************************************

In response to media reports today (October 29) carrying statements by trade unions alleging that the Chief Executive has previously said "those earning $14,000 a month are not entitled to the rights to make nomination for the election of the Chief Executive", the Chief Executive's Office clarified that the Chief Executive has never made such remarks. The Chief Executive reiterated that the rights to make nomination for the election of the Chief Executive belong to the Nominating Committee, and under the Basic Law, the design of Hong Kong's constitutional system emphasises "balanced representation" and the composition of the Nominating Committee has to be "broadly representative". That is why the process of nominating and electing the Chief Executive should not favour any particular classes or sectors.



As for the allegation by a trade union that "every Hong Kong citizen should enjoy the right of civic nomination", the Chief Executive's Office pointed out that according to the Basic Law, only the Nominating Committee has the right to nominate the Chief Executive candidates and this understanding is shared by the legal sector.



The Chief Executive has repeatedly and openly expressed his support for the implementation of universal suffrage in 2017 in accordance with the Basic Law and the decision by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. If the proposal can be passed by a two-third majority in the Legislative Council, the grassroots and other eligible voters in Hong Kong will for the first time be able to elect the Chief Executive by one person one vote.



Ends/Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Issued at HKT 23:55



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