Hong Kong chief ready to discuss electoral reforms

Hong Kong's Chief Executive C.Y. Leung Friday said the relevant authorities were ready to have talks with anyone over electoral reforms.

The chief executive, however, stressed that any electoral reform must adhere to the Basic Law and the decision made by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Xinhua reported.

Speaking during a visit to Huizhou in Guangdong province, Leung said any change that does not conform with the Basic Law and the decision by the National People's Congress Committee was unrealistic.

Leung pointed out that any electoral method and electoral system or any amendment to them in a society must be in line with its constitution or its constitutional documents, and in Hong Kong's case it is the Basic Law.

Civil unrest began in the territory late September, after the Beijing government made public its plan for electoral reform in Hong Kong, where the selection of candidates for the 2017 elections was placed in the hands of a select committee of 1,200 members.

Mong Kok district, with a high population density and a large amount of business and tourist activity, has been the scene of one of the most violent clashes since the protests began.

The pro-democracy protestors are demanding a free choice of candidates in voting for the next chief executive in 2017.