What They Say
A number of enhancement measures have also been successfully implemented in the elections for the first time, including the Electronic Poll Register System and special queueing arrangements, building a good foundation for future elections.
Carrie Lam
Cheng Yuet-ngor,
More voices are being heard (in the improved Election Committee) and I think it can benefit more people. With more representatives, the better it is. It’s a good step in the right direction that will open up channels of communication and give Hong Kong (people) opportunities to speak out. Srdjan Dobic, Hong Kong-based filmmaker, health and wellness
consultant
The new electoral system will enable Hong Kong to recover from the political polarization. The enhancement in representativeness and all-round participation will stabilize the social atmosphere through an inclusive election.
For the sake of building an international and pluralistic society, the new electoral system is a key and fundamental step for democratic movement in Hong Kong.
Maxine Yao, surveyor and community organizer of the think tank, Path of
Democracy
The improved Election Committee represents Hong Kong’s overall interests. I think it’s important that if you want a place to prosper and succeed, you need to engage the whole population. Although the number of eligible voters is reduced under the new system, it’s the quality that matters, not quantity. It’s especially so when the new committee will have those from the grassroots represented.
Eugene Chan, executive vice-chairman of Outstanding Young Persons Association and president of the Association of Hong Kong
Professionals
Hong Kong’s electoral reform has to be positive to restore stability in the city.
It’s a huge political shame that the political electoral structure had been used in the past as a political punch or stick to attack the SAR government and indirectly attack Beijing.
It put fundamental political polarization above all. The divisive approach meant that every government proposal had to be examined first by the opposition. This ultimately led to the huge protests in 2019, which were very bad for Hong Kong. Richard Cullen, visiting professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong
The election is one big step for Hong Kong in electing real patriots to nominate qualified candidates for chief executive and lawmakers.
I hope Election Committee members will bring constructive voices to the committee and society. It’s also important for them to be visionary in seeing the many new opportunities for Hong Kong, such as the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and how the plan relates to people’s lives. They need to play a crucial role in helping the SAR government to work with the Legislative Council and connect with the public.
Kevin Lau, radiologist and nonofficial member of the Commission on Poverty
Hong Kong is in urgent need of reformists to solve its deeprooted social problems. Now, with the new election law, we can look forward to many more capable individuals willing to devote themselves to genuine public service, more substantial debates and more tangible results for the city’s development.
I sincerely call on all skeptics to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and the essence of democracy — quality politics and good governance — a future that all Hong Kong people desire.
Jason Lee, executive vice-chairman of the Hong Kong
CPPCC Youth Association, treasurer of
Hong Kong Y
Elites
Association
A reduction in competition does not equate with a deterioration of the quality of those returned under the new system. On the contrary, the new Election Committee will be much more balanced, competent, more broadly representative of their constituencies, and, above all, much more likely to ensure that patriots will govern Hong Kong.
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, executive councilor
and lawmaker