The proposal on electing the Chief Executive by universal suffrage in 2017 was vetoed by the Legislative Council today.
Twenty-eight legislators voted against the proposal and eight voted in favour of the plan.
Chief Executive CY Leung noted a minority of legislators voted against the wishes of the majority of the Hong Kong people, denying them their democratic right to elect the Chief Executive in the next election.
The votes cast by those 28 members violate the principle of democracy, he said.
"Universal suffrage for the CE election has now been blocked. Universal suffrage to elect all members of LegCo has also become uncertain. I, the Government, and millions of Hong Kong people are naturally disappointed."
He said the Government and the whole community have put in a great deal of time and effort for the past 20 months to try and forge a consensus to take forward Hong Kong's constitutional development.
He thanked Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam, and other civil service colleagues for their efforts.
He said it is time for the community to move on. In the coming two years, the Government will focus its efforts on economic development and livelihood issues.
He assured that the civil service will continue to serve the public with devotion and professionalism.
"I sincerely hope that, from now on, the community can close differences and work together for the common good of Hong Kong."
