The successful election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday marks further progress in the steady and healthy development of Hong Kong's democracy under the "one country, two systems" framework. Conducted in a safe, orderly and efficient manner, the election demonstrated the strengths of the SAR's improved electoral system and the high voter turnout reflected the public's confidence in it.

As a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said on Monday, the LegCo election marked an important achievement in further consolidating and developing high-quality democracy in the SAR.

Despite the trauma inflicted on Hong Kong society by the fire tragedy in Tai Po, the election was carried out with complete success, thanks to the concerted efforts of the HKSAR government, various sectors of society and the broad electorate.

The array of candidates demonstrated the political diversity within the framework that those entrusted with administering the SAR must respect the nation's sovereignty and security while being devoted to serving the people. As "patriots administering Hong Kong", the 90 newly elected members of LegCo now have the responsibility to show that they have deservedly won the broad recognition and support of voters and earned their trust.

That the election proceeded smoothly is also a clear rebuttal to the hostile external forces and destabilizing anti-China elements that once again attempted to smear and sabotage Hong Kong's democratic development. Their attempts to exploit the recent Tai Po fire tragedy by slandering the government's rescue work, spreading rumors, inciting people to abstain from voting, and otherwise interfering with and obstructing the election exposed their malicious intent to cause trouble. Thanks to timely action by the HKSAR authorities, several individuals suspected of trying to exploit the disaster for that purpose were stopped or detained in time. And the election results show that the smear campaign failed.

The results of the election also indicate that under the improved institutional safeguards of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is building a healthy political culture characterized by rationality and it has moved on from the social unrest in 2019.

The new LegCo members should gain a deep understanding of public sentiment and opinions. By focusing on constructive debate aimed at finding solutions to problems, advancing legislative reviews and reforms, and strengthening Hong Kong's governance, the new LegCo can help residents live with greater peace of mind.

The successful LegCo election once again proves that high-quality democracy — rooted in the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong's actual conditions — is not only viable but flourishing in the SAR. As long as Hong Kong continues to safeguard national security, uphold the rule of law, and give full play to its institutional strengths, no external interference will be able to hinder its steady march toward long-term stability and prosperity.

The new LegCo must now properly handle the relationship between the executive and the legislature, fully support the SAR government in governing according to law, and uphold the safeguarding of national sovereignty, security and development interests, promoting Hong Kong's better integration into and contribution to the country's overall development.

Apart from highlighting the advancement and strengths of the new electoral system under the full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the successful LegCo election in the wake of the recent tragedy fully demonstrated Hong Kong society's unity, resilience and determination to overcome difficulties.

- Li Yang, China Daily