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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 casting his vote for the 2008 Legislative Council Election at the Stanley Community Hall Polling Station this (September 7) morning (English portion):
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Today is the fourth-term Legislative Council's Polling Day. For the fourth-term Legislative Council elections, we have over 200 candidates and 3.37 million registered voters. Both numbers are record high. The fourth-term Legislative Council will provide a very important input in dealing with the constitutional reform proposals for 2012 in setting the electoral methods for returning the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council in that year. This will bring Hong Kong forward in terms of democratic development.
The fourth-term Legislative Council will also reflect important views of community and of registered voters as regards economic development and livelihood issues. I therefore urge all registered voters to come out to cast their votes today and to exercise their civic responsibilities. It is important that we all play a part in forming the fourth-term Legislative Council to bring Hong Kong society forward.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, September 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 10:35
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