A Beijing official in Hong Kong has voiced confidence in the city’s ability to handle both the coming Legislative Council election and the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po fire, calling local authorities’ decision to proceed with the poll respectful of the constitutional order.
Liu Guangyuan, deputy director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, said on Thursday that the local government had adopted the “most responsible attitude” by holding the election on Sunday as scheduled, even after last week’s inferno, which claimed at least 159 lives.
“The chief executive has announced the election will be held as planned out of respect for the constitutional order,” Liu said at a forum held on China’s annual constitutional day, which falls on December 4.
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“[The poll] will strongly support the recovery from the aftermath of the disaster, and [the Hong Kong government] has shown the most responsible attitude.
“We believe Hong Kong can handle both the election and disaster recovery well, and needs to cultivate solidarity and strength to move forward from grief.”
Hong Kong will elect 90 Legco members on Sunday. Among them, 20 will be directly picked by residents across 10 geographical constituencies.