This broader representation will help to overcome the excessive focus on political issues seen in past elections and shift to broader issues that concern the future development of the city.

"We have seen many ex officio members actively participate in the election by going to the streets to get the views of voters and listen to opinions on the operation of the future Election Committee," he said.

Under the new electoral system, ex officio members of the Election Committee include Hong Kong's deputies to the National People Congress and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

Zhang said this election will be important because it is the first since Hong Kong experienced unrest in 2019, showing that Hong Kong society has overcome its long-term political disputes and returned to the path of development.