The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Article 7 of Annex I and Article 3 of Annex II to the «PRC Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law» Interpretation

Promulgated: April 6 2004

Main contents: The Interpretation clarifies several issues regarding the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council subsequent to 2007. It states that any amendments to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive, and for forming the Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) for approval or for the record. Only upon the completion of these procedures shall the amendments take effect. The Chief Executive shall make a report to the NPCSC as regards whether there is a need to make such amendments; and the NPCSC shall make a determination according to the actual situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the principle of gradual and orderly progress.
Related legislation: PRC Constitution (4th Revision), Mar 14 2004, CLP 2004 Px and PRC Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law, Apr 5 1990, CLP 1990 No.3 p3 p11