BEIJING, Sept. 1 -- The decision adopted by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on Hong Kong's electoral reform is vital for the development of the region's political system, the People's Daily said Monday.

Sunday's decision granted universal suffrage in the selection of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s chief executive on the basis of nomination by a "broadly representative" committee.

An editorial carried by the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China hailed the landmark decision as a major legal decision as well as a major political resolution.

The editorial said the decision was legal, fair and reasonable as it was made in accordance with the Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law. It also responded to mainstream opinions in Hong Kong society and complies with the region's realities and common wishes of the public, according to the editorial.

The editorial said universal suffrage in the selection of the HKSAR chief executive, which has been the most important political issue since Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, is important for the "one country, two systems" policy as well as national sovereignty and security.

The key point at stake was whether to abide by the Basic Law and whether Hong Kong should be governed by those who "love the country and love Hong Kong," it said.

Some people in Hong Kong demanded universal suffrage rules not governed by the Basic Law and argued that if their demand was not met, then universal suffrage would not be real or in line with international norms, according to the editorial.

Others have imposed their opinions on the public to sabotage Hong Kong's legal tradition and social order, damaging the interests of residents and those of the nation, the editorial added.

The editorial called these people "troublemakers," whose real goal is to turn Hong Kong into an "independent or semi-independent political entity."

One fundamental requirement of the Basic Law is that the chief executive should not confront the central government, said the editorial, adding that safeguarding this bottom line is safeguarding the interests of Hong Kong.