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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

A total of 526 polling stations throughout Hong Kong are open to more than 3.05 million registered electors until 10.30 pm tonight (September 10) during the 2000 Legislative Council elections.

"Every permanent resident of Hong Kong aged 18 or above enjoys the right to vote in accordance with law. Never give up this right," the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, said at the election media centre.

He added: "Voting is the most fundamental expression of citizenship, and Hong Kong people should feel proud to do it."

Mr Justice Woo and the two Commission members, Mr Norman Leung Nai-pang and Dr Elizabeth Shing Shiu-ching, will inspect 19 polling stations in different parts of Hong Kong to see polling activities.

A geographical constituency elector should bring along his identity card to his designated polling station as shown on the poll card and he will be given a ballot paper and a chop. "Use the chop to stamp a 'tick' in the circle opposite one list of your choice; fold the ballot paper and put it into the ballot box. It's as simple as that," Mr Justice Woo said.

Electors may call the hotline, 2891 1001, to enquire about where to vote. A total of 80 lines are operating until the poll closes.

"With the help of the Registration and Electoral Office, the Commission started preparation for the elections in August last year. Every procedure from the demarcation of constituency boundaries, voter registration and the promulgation of guidelines to the nomination exercise and polling arrangements has been carried out in accordance with the principle of fairness, openness and honesty.

"Electors can rest assured their vote will fairly represent their voice," Mr Justice Woo said.

"In order to effectively monitor electioneering activities and ensure fair competition, the Commission relies on members of the public to report irregularities. Mutual policing among candidates and their campaign assistants is particularly important," he said.

The Commission received 232 complaints up to yesterday (September 9), many of them about unauthorised display of election advertisements, electioneering activities disturbing electors and unfair electioneering activities in private buildings.

The complaints hotline, 2827 7656, extends its service today until the poll closes. The Commission will continue to receive complaints in the next 45 days.

End/Sunday, September 10, 2000

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