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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
The Electoral Affairs Commission today (July 27) released its provisional recommendations on the boundaries and names of the 405 constituencies for the 2007 District Council (DC) Election.
People can express their views during the consultation period which runs from today until August 25.
Commission Chairman Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing said statutory demarcation criteria required the commission to ensure that the population in each constituency was as near the population quota as practicable, and take into account its community identities, local ties and other physical features such as size, shape, accessibility and development.
The population quota for the 2007 DC Election is 17,275 people per constituency. It is calculated by dividing the population of Hong Kong (projected at June 30, 2007) by the 405 elected seats - one in each constituency.
"As a 25% deviation above or below the quota is legally acceptable, the population range in a constituency can vary between 12,956 and 21,594 people," Mr Justice Woo said.
It has been proposed that the boundaries of 133 constituencies in the 18 Districts be modified to meet the population quota requirements, and that another nine constituencies be slightly adjusted in the light of geographical or development factors.
"The commission will not be swayed by any political factors, or any consideration that will fortress or create political dominance for any people or parties. We will not consider any reasons or arguments cited in this regard," Mr Justice Woo said.
On the proposed names for the constituencies, Mr Justice Woo said they were formulated with reference to major features, roads or major estates in the constituency concerned, as well as the views of relevant District Officers.
The commission will submit its final recommendations, which will take into account representations received during the consultation period, to the Chief Executive in November.
People can submit written representations by August 25, or express their views at public forums. The forum for constituencies in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon will be held on August 15 at the Recital Hall in Hong Kong City Hall. The forum for constituencies in the New Territories East and West will take place on August 16 at the Cultural Activities Hall in Sha Tin Town Hall.
Maps of the proposed constituency boundaries and a boundary description booklet are available for public inspection at more than 600 locations, including the Registration and Electoral Office, District Offices, post offices, management offices of public housing estates and public libraries. They can also be viewed at www.eac.gov.hk. Enquiries can be made on 2827 1269.
Ends/Thursday, July 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:55
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