DETAILED PROCESS LEADING TO UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE
In general, nominating procedures prior to a public vote should be divided into two stages, namely the "members recommendation" stage and the "committee nomination" stage.
Firstly, a potential candidate may be recommended by at least 120 and at most 240 members of the nominating committee, and each nominating committee member may only recommend one person. Therefore, there may be five to 10 possible candidates.
Secondly, the nominating committee should finally select two to three chief executive candidates through a secret ballot vote. Each nominating committee member may vote for at least two people. Those who win the most endorsements as well as a simple majority will become official candidates.
Then, all five million eligible Hong Kong voters may elect the chief executive from the official candidates through a "one person, one vote" election using a first-past-the-post system.
The proposed universal suffrage package must be endorsed by at least two-thirds of all LegCo members before Chief Executive Leung gives his consent and the top legislature gives final approval.
"Today, the government sincerely puts forth specific proposals that have been formulated on the basis of public aspirations as well as the overall and long-term interests of the Hong Kong community," Lam said.
Whether Hong Kong's constitutional development can move forward or suffers a standstill is now in the hands of every LegCo member, Lam said, calling on all LegCo members to examine the proposed package as soon as possible by using their constitutional power.
"This is a call made on you by this era and it is history which places this responsibility on your shoulders," Lam said, adding she hopes that the lawmakers can complete the voting procedures before LegCo's recess this summer.
SUPPORT TOWARD UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE
During the announcement of the constitutional reform package details, more than 1,000 Hong Kong residents gathered in front of the LegCo complex, holding banners and shouting slogans to show their support.
"Of course (we) should support universal suffrage. With the right to vote, we can choose the chief executive we like," said a 68-year-old retired civil servant with the surname Chan.
