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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan, today (Saturday) appealed to eligible voters to cast their ballots in the Legislative Council Elections on May 24 to elect the first Legislature in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to prove that Hong Kong people are capable of governing themselves and hence deserves the high degree of autonomy they were promised.

Speaking at a press conference to announce an intensive publicity programme for the elections, Mr Lan said: "I am therefore reminding every registered voter that he has not only a civic responsibility to cast his sacred ballot, but that he should also realize that his participation would affect the development of the political process in the future."

Responding to criticisms about the electoral process, Mr Lan said: "Much has been said about the modality of this election. But given the unique historical juncture we find ourselves in, I believe the electoral arrangement is fair, open and honest and it should culminate in the election of a credible and representative legislature, provided the electorate gave it the full support it deserves."

Announcing details of the election publicity programme, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, promised an all-out joint effort with local organisations, including the Owners' Corporations (OCs), Mutual Aid Committees (MACs) and Area Committees (ACs) to carry the election message practically to the doorsteps of the electorate.

"We are resorting to all promotional tactics that have proven to be effective in the last election, including roving exhibitions, special programmes and regular announcements on the radio and TV, posters, pamphlets, leaflets, giant advertisement billboards, briefings for various groups, audio-visual presentations, mock voting, parades and carnivals, appeal messages from well-known personalities, a wide range of useful souvenirs and speeches by senior administration officials," Mrs Lau said.

For the computer orientated, Mrs Lau said they are welcome to visit the Government Home Page at where they will be guided to information on the elections. Enquiries can also be made on the election hotline 2588 1212.

END/Saturday, April 25, 1998

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