Rules set for HK chief vote(2)

Hong Kong citizens hold banners outside the government's office in support of a decision by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on Sunday to grant universal suffrage in the selection of the special administrative region's chief executive on the basis of nomination by a "broadly representative" committee. [Photo by Edmond Tang / China Daily]

Sound Bites

The opposition must be mindful of Hong Kong's future development and not veto the constitutional reform package. They must realize that it's no good for the democratization process to stand still as the people look forward to electing the next CE through universal suffrage.

Tam Yiu-chung - Legislative Council member and chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong

Following the NPCSC decisions on the electoral method, there's still much room for discussion at the local legislation level. The democratic process will not come to a sudden halt. Universal suffrage can be achieved under a gradual and orderly process. All sides should keep calm and sit down to talk.

Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai - Hong Kong deputy to NPC

Hong Kong's pursuit of universal suffrage for the election of the chief executive has made a great leap forward. The NPCSC's decision to have two to three candidates in the race will ensure keen competition and Hong Kong people will certainly have real choices.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee - chairwoman of the New People's Party and former secretary for security

The NPCSC resolution is a major step for Hong Kong's democratic development. The SAR government should launch the second stage of the political reform consultation as soon as possible to give Hong Kong people time for thorough discussion.

The resolution may not be perfect for some people, but they must understand that this is not the final arrangement.

"Democracy is not to be achieved in one go, nor should it be unchangeable. It should keep improving with social development. There is still room for continuous perfection for the electoral arrangements."

Henry Tang Ying-yen - CPPCC Standing Committee member and former chief secretary