BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhuanet) -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council says the central government welcomes the passing of an amendment to its method for selecting Hong Kong's Chief Executive and forming the Special Administrative Region's Legislative Council in 2012.
The SAR's 60-member Legislative Council passed the amendment by a two-thirds majority.
It means the number of members on the Election Committee electing the fourth term Chief Executive in 2012 will be increased from 800 to 1,200, while candidates for the office of Chief Executive should be jointly nominated by no fewer than 150 members of the Election Committee.
The amendment will be submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for approval before it takes effect, as required by the Basic Law.