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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
The nomination period for the fourth term Chief Executive Election will begin tomorrow (February 14) and run until February 29.
"A nomination form must be subscribed by not less than 150 members of the Election Committee and each member can nominate only one candidate," a spokesman for the Electoral Affairs Commission said today (February 13).
Candidates should submit the completed nomination form in person to the Returning Officer on 10/F, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 9am to noon on Saturdays during the nomination period.
A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region permanent resident who is a Chinese citizen, with no right of abode in any foreign country, has reached 40 years of age and has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 20 years, is qualified to be nominated as a candidate. Details regarding the qualifications for nomination as a candidate are stipulated in sections 13 and 14 of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance.
Nomination forms are available at the Registration and Electoral Office and can be downloaded from the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).
The spokesman reminded candidates and their agents to strictly observe the electoral legislation and the electoral guidelines for the election, which will be held on March 25.
"In conducting or participating in election-related activities, including election meetings, candidates should pay attention to and follow the legal provisions governing election expenses. In accordance with the law, the expenses incurred in any activities which promote the election of a candidate or prejudice the election of other candidates will be regarded as election expenses. It is also illegal for any person to incur election expenses before being authorised by the candidate concerned.
"Candidates should also observe the electoral guidelines in the display and distribution of election advertisements. The Returning Officer will allocate the designated display spots to candidates after the close of nominations. The expenses incurred for the display and distribution of election advertisements should be counted as election expenses," the spokesman said.
The relevant legislation and electoral guidelines on the Chief Executive Election have been uploaded onto the election website.
Enquiries can be made to the election hotline on 2891 1001.
Ends/Monday, February 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:02
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