basic law

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It enshrines within a legal document the important concepts of “One Country, Two Systems.” Under this principle, socialist policies of mainland China are not practiced in Hong Kong.

The Basic Law provides the guarantees to maintain Hong Kong’s existing way of life, including socioeconomic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas.

The Basic Law was put into effect July 1, 1997. 

Q1: Do Hong Kong residents have the right to vote and to stand for election?

A1: Permanent residents of Hong Kong have the right to vote and stand for elections in accordance with the Basic Law. The first Legislative Council of the HKSAR was     elected in 1998. The second Legislative Council of the HKSAR was elected on Sept.   10, 2000. The third legislative council election was held Sept. 12, 2004. A record 55.63% of 3.2 million registered voters cast their ballots in the September 2004       election. (BL Article 26)

Q2: Has the HKSAR Government maintained complete control over fiscal and economic policies and safeguarded the free movement of goods, assets and capital?

A2: The HKSAR Government formulates its own economic policies; manages its own finances; prepares its own budgets; issues its own freely convertible currency; keeps its low and simple tax regime; pursues a policy of free trade; and maintains a level playing field. (BL Articles 62; 106-119)