Chief Secretary Carrie Lam said the Government aims to hold a fair, open, just, transparent and competitive Chief Executive election in 2017.
Speaking at a press conference today, Mrs Lam said the election can be competitive in three ways: through a competitive nomination committee, a lower threshold of approval for candidates, and universal suffrage for every eligible voter.
She said the second round of a constitutional reforms consultation will discuss those issues, and urged lawmakers and all sectors of the community to join the exercise.
Mrs Lam stressed that constitutional development is an issue that touches on the relationship between the Central Government and the Hong Kong Government. It must proceed in accordance with constitutional principles and laws, to ensure that it complies with the 'One Country, two systems' policy.
On the issue of protesters gathering around the Central Government Offices, Mrs Lam clarified that the East Wing forecourt is not a public space.
She noted that the area is managed by the Government and is intended for use as a passageway for people to enter the Legislative Council complex and that the Administration Wing grants permission for any civic activities to be held on Sundays and public holidays.
