People from across the political spectrum are welcome on the city's district councils as long as they are patriotic and love Hong Kong, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang said on Saturday.

The government has been conducting a review on district administration to ensure that councils are in line with the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong", as the current district council expires at the end of this year.

Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Tsang said the review was nearing its end, but he declined to say if future district councillors would be chosen by elections or appointment.

The minister was also asked if pro-democracy figures would be allowed to be part of future district councils.

"We are not talking about whether they are from the pro-democracy camp or the pro-establishment camp. We are talking about 'patriots governing Hong Kong'," he said.

"All that matters is they have to love the country and love Hong Kong. As long as you are that, regardless of what your position is on the spectrum, or which camp you are in, we welcome you to take part in [district affairs]."