Hong Kong is scheduled to revert to Chinese rule in 1997.
Rhodesia reverted briefly to real British rule, and a general election took place in early 1980.
The American military administered the island until 1972, when it reverted to Japanese rule.
The country successfully reverted to civilian rule in 1992 and held free elections.
It has been nearly two years since this former British colony reverted to Chinese rule.
The new legislature adopted the law hours after the colony reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.
But it also comes at a time when this British territory of 5.7 million people prepares to revert to Chinese rule in 1997.
However, they agreed that the republic must not revert to imperial rule.
Singapore reverted to British rule immediately postwar, in 1945.
The current administration did not wish to antagonize Russia, which was threatening to revert to communist rule.