Five District Resignation (a follow-up)

The joint Civic Party and the League of Social Democrats released their De Facto Referendum logo yesterday. The logo signified unity to gain 'real universal suffrage'. Today is the deadline date of the Government's consultation on 1)expanding the CE's Election Committee to 1200 members 2) Increasing District and Functional Constituency legislator seats by 5 each.

While I have doubts as to how the Government's proposal is following the 'gradual and orderly process' principle laid down in the Basic Law, I fail to see how the De Facto Referendum assists the process of obtaining better prospects of universal suffrage. Firstly, as a movement seeking public support for 'fighting for real universal suffrage' they had barely asked the electors in their respective districts for opinions on the movement itself. Then, although they make it clear that voting is based on a particular agenda, several problems stem form this. One, electors who vote for them may not only support them based on this issue. Two, those who don't vote for them may not be against a more progressive pace to democracy. Thirdly, of course, the reactions from Beijing.

The efforts that have stemmed from the movement have been encouraging, including an informed debate questionnaire that is currently being carried out (which I heard from the radio). Participants will be directed to hear a thorough debate on the issue before filling in a questionnaire reflectively. It's important to know the argument of both sides.

And to the De Facto Referendum's credit, getting citizens to be more aware of their civil rights is a good first step, as in speaking out against inaction by the Government and half-hearted efforts of the DAB.