Path of Democracy

PoD have come together because they share one common belief: Hong Kong cannot afford to stop in its tracks; PoD have to find a way out of the current morass as regards the issue of governance.

In their search for realization of the “One Country Two Systems”, the pursuit of democracy and improved governance have always been their most iconic as well as challenging tasks. Iconic because if the Hong Kong SAR can achieve universal suffrage according to the Basic Law, Hong Kong shall be the first democratic city in China, by which the success of the One Country Two Systems is to be measured. Challenging because in the process of achieving full democracy, how to balance different political interests and aspirations is by no means an easy task. Be that as it may, one thing is certain, under the concept of One Country Two Systems and the Basic Law, there is no , and should not be any fundamental conflict, be it constitutional, political, or theoretical, between China exercising her sovereign power over Hong Kong and Hong Kong practising full democracy.

Today, political reform in Hong Kong is facing yet another saddening defeat. Not only that, but along the way, our society is being deeply divided, mutual trust and confidence between China and Hong Kong is at its lowest point, and our belief and the belief of the international community in the success of One Country Two Systems are also badly shaken. Hong Kong is facing many urgent and momentous decisions. How to raise the standard of democracy and human rights, improve the quality of governance, strive for social justice, establish a better relationship with China, maintain sustainable development, are but a few of such pressing questions. There is no room for procrastination. We must act incisively to look for a breakthrough.

PoD is a group of people who are deeply concerned about the future of Hong Kong. PoD is particularly concerned about the development of democracy and the fulfilment of the promise of One Country Two Systems. Hong Kong must forge a new road in face of the present setbacks. PoD must strive for full democracy as aspired by the people of Hong Kong; PoD must search for and precipitate societal consensus, and work on improving the quality of governance. PoD is determined to fight for the widest community support; do their utmost to build on mutual trust and confidence. PoD shall hold fast to their principles and seek engagement and solution from the two opposing extremes of giving up on democracy and antagonistic opposition. PoD is fully aware of the pitfalls and obstacles that will be in our way, but PoD firmly believe democracy must be built on fair, inclusive, and pluralistic principles. PoD must tend to and heal our political wounds, steadfastly fight for and consolidate moderate democratic forces in order to achieve real and long-lasting democracy and better governance.

In other words, Hong Kong need to begin a new journey on our road to democracy and One Country Two Systems!