U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (2000)

Statement by U.S. Department of State on Hong Kong Legislative Council Elections

News Release
September 12, 2000
Tuesday

The following is a statement by U.S. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher regarding Hong Kong's September 10 legislative elections. The statement was issued in New York on September 11.

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Hong Kong's September 10 legislative elections, which observers agree were open, free, and fair, were the second since the 1997 handover and mark another step in Hong Kong's democratic development. Democracy and free and fair elections are critical components in assuring that Hong Kong remains a prosperous, free and dynamic society whose government serves the interests of its seven million people in the years to come. Despite substantial constitutional limitations on the power of the legislature, more than 43 percent of Hong Kong's registered voters from all sectors of Hong Kong society, turned out to vote, underscoring the people's commitment to democratic development.

We look forward to increased democratization in Hong Kong at a pace the people want and note that Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, states that the election of all members of the legislative council by universal suffrage is the "ultimate aim." We congratulate the winning candidates and look forward to working with the new legislature and the Hong Kong government on issues of mutual concern.

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