The transparent election for LegCo president has further enriched the practice of high-quality democracy in Hong Kong under the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong”, and reflected the advanced nature and superiority of the new electoral system, the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office stated on Friday.
Veteran lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king was elected president of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in a tight race on Thursday.
An article written under the name “Gang Aoping” and posted on the office’s social media account on Friday noted that both two candidates love Hong Kong and the country, and have focused on leveraging Hong Kong's advantage of the "one country, two systems" policy. They have thoroughly expounded on proactively aligning with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and promoting Hong Kong's better integration into, and service to, the country's overall development strategy.
In the article, the author expressed full confidence in the new-term LegCo president to lead the council to implement the executive-led system, actively support the chief executive and the HKSAR government in governance according to the law, and jointly usher in a new era of sound governance characterized by good governance.
It also believed that the newly-elected leader can guide the LegCo to implement Code for Members of the Legislative Council, strengthening self-management, self-supervision, and self-improvement, and presenting a fresh image for the new-term LegCo.
The article pointed out that the election procedure, from nomination and candidate confirmation, to the hosting of the special forum and the voting, was meticulous and adhered to regulations.
The candidates constructively responded to questions from other lawmakers, and proposed specific and feasible suggestions centered around the shared objective of promoting high-quality development and high-level governance in Hong Kong, the article noted.
Overall, the success of the election proved the success of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and the new electoral system, the article concluded, adding that the new electoral system is a good one that can promote the positive development of Hong Kong’s democracy, and integrate the safeguarding of national sovereignty, security, developmental interests, and the maintenance of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
The system can practically ensure Hong Kong residents’ rights and benefits, the sustainable growth of the “one country, two systems” policy, as well as enhancing governance effectiveness, the article stressed.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, told local media that the election was a well-matched contest, and the intense competition can bring a positive revelation for the development of Hong Kong's political culture.
