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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, made the following statement today (Monday) on the first Legislative Council election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region :
"I am very pleased to see the enthusiastic public participation and support in the first Legislative Council election of the HKSAR. With the joint efforts of all sectors, we have made history with a record number of registered voters, voter turnout and voter turnout rate. There are about 2.8 million registered voters ; about 1.49 million of them have cast their votes, representing a turnout rate of almost 53.3 per cent. This is very encouraging. Hong Kong people should be proud of ourselves.
"This election was held in accordance with the relevant provisions in the Basic Law. It is an important and very successful step towards further democratic development in Hong Kong.
"The active participation by Hong Kong people reflects the very strong public support for the Basic Law, and the spirit of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy.
"The active participation by Hong Kong people also reflects that after Hong Kong's reunification with the Mainland of China, we truly feel that we are the master of this territory and we are holding our future in our own hands.
"The election has laid a solid foundation for political development in the SAR. The Government will resolutely move forward to a more democratic form of government in accordance with the provisions in the Basic Law.
"The entire electoral process has been conducted in an open, fair and honest manner. Credit should go to the independent Electoral Affairs Commission headed by Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, and all electoral staff involved in the process.
"I congratulate all elected members of the first Legislative Council. The Government will work closely with the Legislative Council and look forward to building up a good and constructive working relationship with all its members."
End/Monday, May 25, 1998
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