The constitutional reform package proposed recently to amend methods to select the Chief Executive (CE) and legislators in 2012 has been well received by the community. If put into practice, it would represent a big step forward along the path of democratization for Hong Kong.

However, the opposition camp has not only totally rejected the proposals, but is also preparing for a resignation of their legislators in all five geographical constituencies in a bid to create confusion.

To improve on the 2005 package, the SAR government is proposing to add 10 seats to the 2012 legislature, with five of the new seats coming from geographical constituencies and the other five from functional constituencies. The latter five seats plus the existing seat from the District Council sector would all be allotted to elected district councillors (DCs), while appointed DCs would be deprived of their right to vote and be elected in the two elections.

The package is generally viewed as having more democratic elements in it than the 2005 one.

According to the Basic Law, District Councils are consultation bodies at the district level whose functions are closely related to people's livelihoods in the community as well as the management of public facilities and services.

Surveys have indicated that "livelihood" remains the main concern of 70 percent of voters. As such, certain patriotic political parties and community groups that have taken root in districts and have worked hard to improve people's lives are believed to enjoy strong support from the masses.

That the SAR government would present a better version of the 2005 reform package this time was expected by many since it was endorsed by 60 percent of people interviewed back then.

Apparently, introducing more elected DCs into the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the CE Election Committee and giving the second- and third-tier talents of various political bodies more room for advancement are conducive to Hong Kong's future constitutional development.

There are some people in society who insist on having "double universal suffrage" in 2012.

As we all know, there are 30 functional constituency seats in the LegCo. Since these seats concern the interests of various sectors, consultation is necessary to balance different interests and aspirations.

Other than discussing political issues, the LegCo also pays much attention to people's livelihoods and economic development. That is why election methods must be able to ensure that voices of different sectors can be heard and that the SAR's economic development can continue.

Hong Kong is an international metropolis well-known for its diversity. Different sectors and strata of society have different needs. The political system therefore has to take into consideration all these varying interests.

On the other hand, under the ever-changing world financial situation and increasingly intense competition, Hong Kong's role as an international financial center is being challenged.

The current and next SAR administrations cannot but focus all their energy on such issues as improving the economy and people's livelihoods.

The best reform package is one that could help bolster the well-being of the people of Hong Kong as well as the country's fundamental interests, and ensure the SAR's long-term prosperity.

I therefore hope that all sectors of society treasure the opportunity presented by the consultation exercise to seek common grounds among themselves on the basis of the Basic Law and come up with a recipe agreeable to the vast majority of Hong Kong people.

The author is a standing committee member of the Chinese People Political Consultative Conference. The article is reproduced from a Chinese article published in Wen Wei Po.

(HK Edition 11/27/2009 page1)