HONG KONG – The president of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) urged Tuesday all opposition lawmakers choosing to stay on for an extended LegCo term to work together to discharge their mandates. 

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Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen's remarks came after 14 incumbent opposition lawmakers announced earlier in the day that they would continue to serve during the extended term of the LegCo. Three opposition lawmakers said they would stand down after the term of the current council ends on Wednesday. 

LegCo President Andrew Leung appealed to all opposition lawmakers to work as one to help the city overcome the coronavirus pandemic, improve people’s livelihoods and revive Hong Kong’s economy

Leung appealed to all opposition lawmakers to work as one to help the city overcome the coronavirus pandemic, improve people’s livelihoods and revive Hong Kong’s economy. 

Last month, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) extended the term of the LegCo by at least a year following the HK government's decision to defer LegCo election scheduled this year as the city reeled from its third and the most serious wave of COVID-19 infections. 

“According to the decision, after September 30, 2020, the sixth Legco of the Hong Kong special administrative region will continue to perform its duties for not less than a year, until the start of the term of the seventh Legco,” the NPCSC statement reads. 

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Regarding vacancies during the LegCo’s extended term, Leung said it was up to the Hong Kong government to hold by-elections. The government had earlier ruled out any electoral exercise in view of the pandemic.

Leung said all lawmakers would receive a gratuity on Wednesday for completing their terms whether or not they chose to stand down.

Contact the writer at kathyzhang@chinadailyhk.com