This photo dated Feb 16, 2012 shows the Central Government Offices in Admiralty, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday strongly opposed the attempt by five countries to smear the 2021 Legislative Council General Election.   

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, an HKSAR government spokesman said the joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State contained allegations contrary to facts and without basis.

“Any external or internal destructive force and political conspiracy trying to interfere with the HKSAR's democratic development in accordance with the Basic Law will not succeed,” the spokesman said.

He pointed out that the LegCo election was held successfully after the improvement of the city’s electoral system.

A government spokesman said that, with the support of the central government and the safeguards of the National Security Law and the improved electoral system, Hong Kong's democratic development will progress in a lawful and orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law

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“The improvement to the electoral system fully implements the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', ensuring that members of the LegCo are patriotic, love Hong Kong and act in the interests of the country's development and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” the spokesman said.

“On this basis, legislators, returned on December 19, come from different backgrounds and across the political spectrum. Such diversity showcases the broad representation and political inclusiveness of the improved electoral system,” he added.

He noted that the new lawmakers were returned by the Election Committee, functional constituencies, and geographical constituencies through direct elections.

“By balancing the overall interests of Hong Kong, the interests of different sectors and districts, the election ensures balanced participation. Furthermore, healthy competitions among candidates of this election reflected the fairness and competitiveness of the new electoral system,” the spokesman said.

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He said that, with the support of the central government and the safeguards of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the improved electoral system, Hong Kong's democratic development will progress in a lawful and orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law.

“Following implementation of the NSL, chaos stopped and stability has been restored in Hong Kong,” he said.

The spokesman said the NSL ensures the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the policy of 'one country, two systems', under which Hong Kong residents administer the city with a high degree of autonomy, while their legitimate rights and freedoms under the Basic Law are well-protected.

“Any law enforcement actions taken by law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law, for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation," he added.

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