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Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, at a media session after visiting the Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School Polling Station in Kwun Tong this (November 18) afternoon (English portion):
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Up until 5.30 this afternoon, we have already had 748,000 voters coming out to vote and taking part in the District Council Elections for 2007. In overall terms, the turnout rate is 25.3 per cent. Even though that particular turnout rate is lower than that in 2003, the actual number of voters taking part in the elections coming out to cast their votes is higher than that in 2003. I believe this marks a heightened awareness of registered voters among our community for participation in public affairs and their civic-mindedness. I appeal to all registered voters who have not yet come out to vote to make full use of the next five hours to take part in this particular election, so that District Council candidates who are worthy of their support can become councillors and can collectively enhance the management of public facilities and services in the District Councils over the course of the next four-year term.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, November 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:10
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