**********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
The Electoral Affairs Commission held a public forum on the Proposed Guidelines on Election-related Activities in respect of the District Council Election today (June 9). The public consultation began on May 24 and will end on June 22.
"The electoral guidelines aim to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally in elections so that the elections can be conducted in an open, fair and honest manner," Commission Chairman Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah said at the public forum.
"Since the start of the public consultation period, we noted that there are ample discussions on the chapter relating to the broadcast of election-related programmes on the Internet," he said.
"In view of the increasing popularity of the Internet which can widely reach the public, the Internet programmes relating to candidates contesting in elections have substantial impact on elections. The Commission released the proposed guidelines for public consultation with a view to bringing up for discussion among members of the public whether these programmes should also abide by the guidelines. We understand some people have expressed their worries over this proposal. We will carefully consider their views before issuing the finalised guidelines."
"The Commission fully respects the freedom of speech. The proposed guidelines are not intended to impose any restrictions on discussions or broadcasting activities on the Internet. There are absolutely no political considerations," Mr Justice Fung stressed.
"I have heard the opposing views expressed by many members of the public on the proposal in the public forum today. I am of the view that there is room for revision. The Commission will continue to listen to public views on the proposed guidelines and will carefully consider all the views received during the consultation period in a fair manner. We will consider making amendments as appropriate so that the guidelines can be more practicable before releasing the finalised guidelines," he said.
The Commission welcomes the submission of written representations from members of the public during the consultation period. They can be sent by post (Commission's Secretariat at 10/F, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai); by fax (2511 1682); or by email (eacenq@reo.gov.hk) on or before June 22.
The proposed guidelines can be downloaded from the Commission's website at www.eac.gov.hk. They are also available at the Registration and Electoral Office and the Public Enquiry Service Centres of District Offices.
For enquiries, please call 2891 1001.
Ends/Thursday, June 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:09
NNNN
