Under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," the Hong Kong Basic Law and China's top legislature's relevant decisions empower the region to realize the election of its top leader by universal suffrage.
For his part, Secretary Yuen said at the meeting that as China' s special administrative region, the universal suffrage for the Hong Kong's chief executive must implement the principle of "One country, two Systems" and must be in line with the Hong Kong Basic Law and the relevant explanations and decisions of the top legislature.
The universal suffrage proposal is the most democratic election plan in Hong Kong's history, said Starry Lee, a LegCo member from the pro-establishment camp.
"If the LegCo endorses the motion, it will make history," said Lee who is also the chairperson of the biggest local political organ Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.
Regina Ip, a LegCo member who is also the chairperson of the New People's Party, called on the opposition lawmakers to change their minds and support the motion.
"The central government has shown its sincerity and determination to promote universal suffrage in Hong Kong," said Ip.
Andrew Leung, a LegCo member and also chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, also urged the opposition lawmakers to support the motion for the sake of Hong Kong's long-term interests.
