Election to drive SAR's integration into nation

Stronger govt needed

The Qianhai plan is another important step to boost the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a major national economic development strategy. In such a scenario, Tian said Hong Kong needs a stronger and more effective government and Legislative Council to meet the requirements of national strategies and participate in the overall development of the country.

"This new election is the corresponding institutional support for the upgrade of governance requirements. The goal of the electoral system reform is to ensure the stability, quality and orderliness of Hong Kong's democratic development. We expect that this will be realized in this election," he added.

The Election Committee will also be more broadly representative and democratic. Zhang Jian, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Research Section of the Shanghai Institute of International Studies, said the composition of the committee has been expanded from four to five sectors, adding youth representatives, and members of national organizations, grassroots and labor associations.