Any decision not to seek re-election in the upcoming Legislative Council election is a "personal choice" on the part of lawmakers, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday, after more than 10 incumbents announced they are standing down.

He expressed respect for members of the legislature who had chosen not to run for another term.

"It is normal for any organisation to see a change of personnel during a change of term," Lee said.

"I noticed that a number of current Legco members have expressed their decision not to run in the next Legco election.

"They have told their own reasons, such as family reasons, [the] wish to focus more on matters they care about, academic pursuits, or the desire to pass the torch to the newcomers.

"These are their personal choices. I respect their decisions."

Lee said he has always attached great importance to the opinions of legislators, while praising the current legislature for scrutinising bills "in a pragmatic and efficient manner" and passing about 130 of them – a 60 percent increase from the previous term.

He encouraged patriots who are committed to serving Hong Kong to "actively seek nominations" to run in the polls.

Among those opting out of the December elections are Legco president Andrew Leung; Tommy Cheung of the Liberal Party; commercial-sector lawmaker Jeffrey Lam; and Chan Kin-por, who represents the insurance constituency.

While some also sit on the Executive Council, Lee said none of the members in the policy-making body have indicated a desire to leave before their five-year tenure ends.