Central govt says HK universal suffrage package 'legal', 'practical'

BEIJING - The constitutional reform package for Hong Kong's election is "legal, feasible, rational and practical", China's State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Wednesday.

The statement was made after the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government revealed a constitutional reform package for the election of the next chief executive by "one man, one vote" universal suffrage in 2017 on Wednesday.

The plan conforms to the Basic Law and the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), a spokesperson from the office said.

It also suits the realist situation in the region and gives consideration to the interests and appeals from all spectrums and walks of life in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

A report delivered by the HKSAR government on the public consultation regarding the reform has comprehensively and objectively revealed the public opinions and suggestions from Hong Kong society on this issue.

The central government consistently supports efforts to advance the democratic development in the HKSAR in a progressive manner and in accordance with the Basic Law and the decision of the NPC Standing Committee.

"The constitutional reform in Hong Kong has entered a crucial stage and we sincerely hope that all parties in the region can build consensus and grasp the historic opportunity to realize the goal for a universal suffrage election in 2017," the spokesperson said.