Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau

Cap 541 Consolidated version for the Whole Chapter (25-01-2019) (English and Traditional Chinese) == Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau ==

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) is a government agency in Hong Kong responsible for overseeing constitutional development, electoral affairs, and the relationship between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Mainland. The bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of the Basic Law and maintaining the "one country, two systems" principle.

History

The CMAB was established in 2007, following the reorganization of the Hong Kong Government's policy bureaux. It was formed by merging the former Constitutional Affairs Bureau and parts of the Home Affairs Bureau. The creation of the CMAB aimed to streamline the government's efforts in handling constitutional matters and fostering relations with the Mainland.

Responsibilities

The CMAB's primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the implementation of the Basic Law.
• Facilitating the development of Hong Kong's constitutional framework.
• Managing electoral affairs, including the organization of elections for the Chief Executive, the Legislative Council, and District Councils.
• Enhancing cooperation and communication between Hong Kong and Mainland authorities.
• Promoting public education on the Basic Law and constitutional matters.

Organizational Structure

The CMAB is headed by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, who is supported by the Under Secretary and the Permanent Secretary. The bureau is divided into several divisions, each responsible for specific areas of work, including:

• Constitutional Affairs Division
• Mainland Affairs Division
• Electoral Affairs Division
• Basic Law Promotion Division

Key Initiatives

The CMAB has been involved in several key initiatives, such as:

• The development and implementation of the National Security Law.
• The promotion of the Greater Bay Area development plan.
• The organization and oversight of the 2021 Hong Kong electoral changes.

Related Pages

• Basic Law of Hong Kong
• Chief Executive of Hong Kong
• Legislative Council of Hong Kong
• District Councils of Hong Kong
• National Security Law (Hong Kong)
• Greater Bay Area