World IN BRIEF : HONG KONG : Legislature OKs Initial Reforms
Gov. Chris Patten’s push for electoral reform in Hong Kong, despite strong Chinese government opposition, cleared its first legislative hurdle. The British colony’s 60-member Legislative Council overwhelmingly passed a “first stage” reform bill containing the least controversial elements of a reform package that Patten unveiled in October, 1992. The bill’s passage allows Patten to begin work on a second bill containing further reforms. That bill--which China finds even more objectionable--includes steps to significantly broaden the voting base for future elections. China says it will scrap such reforms when it assumes control of the colony in 1997.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.