HK legislators start debating on electoral reform motion

Residents join a rally on a boat to promote the electoral reform package on June 6, 2015. Parker Zheng / China Daily

However, if the motion is rejected, Hong Kong's constitutional development would reach an impasse. Antagonism in Hong Kong would surge; the society risks being torn further apart; and the city may dwindle into trivial political bickering, with its economic and civic development arrested.

Members of LegCo bear an important constitutional role in amending the legal procedures for the SAR chief executive election. They must vote for what is best for the nation, Hong Kong and its citizens.

Lawmakers are to be reminded that they have pledged allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR of the People's Republic of China when taking office. Thus, they are responsible for safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, and are obliged to abide by Hong Kong's Basic Law and protect the overall interests of HKSAR.

Their votes will serve as the touchstone by which legislators' support for democracy, the principle of "one country, two systems" and Basic Law will be measured.

Should legislators make the right decision based on the mainstream public will and endorse the motion, their contributions to Hong Kong's democratic and constitutional development will be written into history.

However, if they choose to oppose social advancement - allowing personal gains and political scheming to kidnap public opinions - they will be held accountable for obstructing democratic development in Hong Kong for generations and beyond.

Hong Kong residents are at the doorstep of a new era, and just one step away from securing universal suffrage for the 2017 chief executive election.

It is the sincere hope of the general public that each legislator casts his or her vote responsibly and help turn a brand new page in Hong Kong's democratic progress.