Commentary: Decision needed for Hong Kong's epidemic fight, normal operation

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, August 09, 2020
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BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature will decide on arrangements handling the vacancy of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) incurred due to the postponement of the 2020 LegCo election amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

As Hong Kong is still facing a severe COVID-19 situation, the decision to be made by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee will provide a solid legal basis for the sixth LegCo to continue operation, and serve as a firm guarantee for the HKSAR government and all sectors in Hong Kong to make all-out efforts in fighting the epidemic.

This fully embodies the central authorities' care and support for Hong Kong in triumphing over the epidemic, restoring the economy and improving people's livelihood.

If the latest wave of COVID-19 outbreak can not be brought under control swiftly, further damage to Hong Kong's economy and people's well-being is very likely, posing a more immediate threat to the health of Hong Kong residents.

Should the LegCo election proceed as due on Sept. 6 this year, more than 3 million Hong Kong residents are expected to go to the polls. Such large-scale gatherings are likely to bring great risks of virus transmission, thus causing unpredictable difficulties and pressures on the current epidemic containment.

Life comes first. It is now Hong Kong's top priority and most pressing task to go all-out in fighting the epidemic and ensuring the health and safety of Hong Kong residents.

Under such circumstances, the HKSAR Chief Executive in Council's earlier decision to postpone the LegCo election for a year is not only necessary and appropriate, but a manifestation of a sense of responsibility to protect the health of Hong Kong residents.

The HKSAR LegCo exercises the powers and functions of enacting, amending or repealing laws in accordance with the law, as well as approving taxation and public expenditure, among others. After the election postponement, the vacancy of the LegCo, if not handled properly, will have an adverse impact on the governance of the HKSAR government and the normal operation of the Hong Kong society as a whole.

As the permanent organ of the highest organ of state power, the NPC Standing Committee has the power and responsibility to deal with matters concerning the vacancy of the HKSAR LegCo, which is a manifestation of the NPC Standing Committee's performance of its duties in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR when the HKSAR has constitutional issues that can not be resolved by itself.

A law-based, timely decision on the HKSAR LegCo vacancy by the NPC Standing Committee after taking into full consideration the current epidemic situation in Hong Kong and the operation situation of the LegCo is necessary and urgent.

In making such a decision, the central authorities have been acting strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR.

Such a decision, once adopted by lawmakers, will have legal effect that can not be challenged and will be crucial to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

With the solid support from the central authorities and assistance of the mainland, and under the strong leadership of the HKSAR government, the epidemic in Hong Kong will be effectively contained and the health of the people and social stability will be effectively protected. Enditem

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