*******************************************

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

    The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today (April 15) released a set of proposed guidelines stipulating the procedures for conducting the Chief Executive elections and the rules to be observed by candidates and concerned parties.

    The proposed guidelines are open for a two-week public consultation until April 28.

    Tabling the proposals at a press conference, the EAC Chairman, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, called on members of the public to make their comments known.

    "No doubt those with opposing views and suggestions can make representations to the EAC. However, it is equally important that those with supporting views should also speak their mind, for one-sided representations can deny good proposals a chance to be implemented," he said.

    Written representations can be sent to the EAC Secretariat at 10/F Harbour Building, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Submissions by fax (2511 1682) or e-mail (eacenq@reo.gov.hk) will also be accepted.

    "These representations must reach the EAC Secretariat by the deadline of April 28. Late representations will not be considered," Mr Justice Woo said.

    A public forum will be held at 10am on April 25 at the commission's conference room at 10/F Harbour Building, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, for those who want to present their views orally.

    "The EAC will consider representations received during the consultation period and revise the guidelines as appropriate," Mr Justice Woo said.

    The finalised guidelines will be published late next month.

    Mr Justice Woo said the proposed guidelines were based mainly on the guidelines for the 2002 Chief Executive Election, with suitable amendments to reflect the operational experience and suggestions for improvement obtained from previous elections.

    "Furthermore, some provisions were drawn from the latest amendments in the guidelines for other public elections.

    "For example, the sections on election advertisements and electioneering activities include new provisions adopted in the guidelines used for the 2003 District Council Elections and the 2004 Legislative Council Election," he said.

    Other proposed changes include a new chapter on electioneering by school students or electioneering activities conducted in schools, as well as a new section on the code of conduct for Principal Officials appointed under the Accountability System participating in election-related activities.

    The proposed guidelines are available for collection from the Registration and Electoral Office and the Public Enquiry Service Centres of all District Offices of the Home Affairs Department. They can also be downloaded at www.gov.hk/eac.

Ends/Friday, April 15, 2005

NNNN