In a televised interview with mainland media CGTN, Lam said Beijing’s decision to “perfect” the city’s electoral system was intended to implement “patriots administering Hong Kong.”

Her remarks came two days after the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body, passed the resolution regarding electoral changes in the city.

Under the revamp, the Election Committee, which currently only chooses the Chief Executive, will be tasked with nominating candidates standing in Legislative Council elections. It can also send members to the legislature.

The Election Committee will also be expanded from 1,200 to 1,500 members, with the 300 new voters from the city’s delegates to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference which will create five sectors of voters in the committee.

Other key features included the expansion of seats in Legco from 70 to 90, but the number of seats going to members of the Election Committee remains unknown.

Lam rejected claims suggesting the changes would silence dissidents, saying freedom and rights still exist in Hong Kong today, as seen in the many criticisms on her in newspapers.

She explained Hong Kong cannot handle electoral matters on its own due to the city’s special political structure, and therefore triggered Beijing’s move.

Pro-democracy activists can still run for elections as long as they are “patriots,” a basic requirement for those governing Hong Kong, she added.