BEIJING -- Lawmakers on Tuesday voted to adopt a decision for the sixth Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to continue performing duties.

The decision was passed at the 21st session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, the top legislature.

After Sept. 30, 2020, the sixth LegCo will continue performing duties for no less than a year until the term of the seventh LegCo starts. The term of the seventh LegCo will still be four years when it is formed in accordance with the law, according to the decision.

On Saturday morning, lawmakers heard explanations to a bill submitted by the State Council asking the NPC Standing Committee to make a decision for the sixth LegCo to continue operation.

On Saturday afternoon, members of the NPC Standing Committee held group discussions to deliberate the draft decision.

Lawmakers agreed that as the local legislature of the HKSAR and an important component of the political structure of the HKSAR, the LegCo exercises important powers and functions in accordance with the law, including enacting, amending and repealing laws, examining and approving budgets, and approving taxation and public expenditure.

The HKSAR Chief Executive in Council has decided to postpone the election of the seventh LegCo, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 6, 2020, for one year, in response to the severe COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong.

In order to uphold the constitutional and law-based order in the HKSAR, ensure the normal governance of the HKSAR government and the good running of the society, it is necessary and appropriate for the NPC Standing Committee to make the decision on the sixth LegCo's continued performance of duties and on other related matters, lawmakers said, adding that the decision is in line with the provisions and principles provided by the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law.