Hong Kong's leader on Wednesday signalled that democratic reform in the Chinese autonomous region may come sooner than expected, declaring that universal suffrage could be achieved "at an early date". Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa said a reform programme could be speeded up. "We believe that as long as we can maintain prosperity, stability and social harmony, our constitutional system can develop at a faster pace," Tung said in an annual address outlining policy goals for the coming year.
"The ultimate aim of universal suffrage could be achieved at an early date."
No firm timetable has been given for reform. But a ruling by China in April last year rejected democrats' demands for Tung's successor to be elected by universal suffrage in 2007, and put back any chance of change to at least 2012.
The chief executive is currently elected by a pro-Beijing committee and only half the seats in the legislature are directly elected.
A task force set up last year to consider constitutional reform has reiterated the city's Basic Law constitution, which says change must be gradual and occur with regard to the people's political will.
Speaking at a press conference, Tung was equally vague about the timetable. "We are moving ahead according to our plan," he said. Wednesday's announcement is the first sign the government of the southern territory may be willing to soften its opposition to speedy reform. It has regularly said any changes must proceed slowly to maintain stability.
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