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The platforms, photographs and personal particulars, as contained in the corresponding introductory leaflets, of the 159 hopefuls running in the 2004 Legislative Council election are now available on the dedicated election website launched by the government (www.elections.gov.hk).

All candidates, including the 35 lists of 88 candidates contesting for 30 seats in the five geographical constituencies and the 71 candidates competing for another 30 seats in the 28 functional constituencies, are covered.

Recommending the election website to voters keen to find out more about the candidates, a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said: "The homepage provides a wealth of useful information on the forthcoming election, including the delineation of the geographical constituencies, electoral guidelines, the addresses of polling and counting stations as well as timely press releases and publicity materials.

"The candidates' platforms on the web will enable electors to know more about the contestants in their constituencies," he added.

The spokesman noted that internet users could keep abreast of the polls through the election website as the polling day was approaching.

Hourly voter turnout rates and election results will be released through the website as soon as they are available on the polling day.

The 2004 Legislative Council election will be held on Sunday, September 12. A total of 501 polling stations will be open from 7.30am to 10.30pm on that day for over 3.2 million registered electors to cast their votes.

Ends/Thursday, September 2, 2004

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