Chinese lawmakers have in an overwhelming vote Thursday, approved the draft resolution on Hong Kong's electoral reforms at the closing session of the National People's Congress meetings in Beijing, state media reported. Under the draft decision, the number of seats on the Election Committee will increase from 1,200 to 1,500. The apex legislature introduced the reform plan for Hong Kong's electoral system into this year's two sessions agenda on March 4. NPC Standing Committee, chairman, Li Zhanshu, had said earlier that the overhaul will safeguard the constitutional order of Hong Kong. The rubber-stamp legislature also adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.

Source: The Standard March 11, 2021 07:30 UTC