BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday he believes Hong Kong will elect a chief executive who enjoys the support of the vast majority of local people.

"The election of the fourth term Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is currently underway," Wen said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual parliamentary session.

"I believe that as long as the principle of openness, justice and fairness is observed and relevant legal procedures are complied with, Hong Kong will elect a chief executive who enjoys the support of the vast majority of Hong Kong people," Wen said.

Wen said that 15 years has passed since Hong Kong returned to the motherland. What has happened in Hong Kong over the past 15 years has shown that the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy has strong vitality.

In the past 15 years, Hong Kong encountered two financial crisis, but under the leadership of SAR government and with the joint efforts of the Hong Kong compatriots, Hong Kong has successfully weathered the financial crisis and sustained its status as an international financial center and still enjoys a sophisticated free economy, he said.