HONG KONG - Hong Kong's new electoral system, which aims to maximally balance the interests of various sectors and broadly represent their voices, will open a new chapter of democratic development in the city, the nation's top official in charge of Hong Kong affairs said on Monday.

Xia Baolong's remarks came about two weeks ahead of the city's Legislative Council election on Dec 19 — the second major election under the city's revamped electoral system.

Addressing a local activity in a video speech, Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, elaborated that Hong Kong's new electoral system has many advantages, such as broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation, and fair competition.