Hong Kong leader rules out public role in electoral overhaul

Carrie Lam signals Legislative Council poll could be postponed second time

20210308 HONG KONG Carrie Lam main image

"There is a loophole in the electoral system, which could threaten national security and the stability as well as the prosperity of Hong Kong," Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Monday. © Reuters

MICHELLE CHAN, Nikkei staff writer

March 8, 2021 19:01 JST

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong people will not be consulted on the territory's upcoming electoral overhaul, which is poised to empower a Beijing-controlled committee to vet candidates for the city's legislature and effectively exclude opposition voices.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said an extensive public consultation, as usually required for major constitutional changes, will not take place ahead of the planned electoral changes due to their "urgency," adding that she is "thankful" for Beijing's effort in "improving" Hong Kong's political system.