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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah, at a briefing for the 2012 Chief Executive Election today (March 4) called on the candidates and their agents to strictly observe the electoral guidelines and relevant legislation. He also said they should co-operate with the Commission and the departments concerned to ensure the election will be conducted in an open, fair, honest and clean manner.
After the briefing session, the Returning Officer, Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor, drew lots to determine the order of names of the candidates on the ballot paper and the allocation of designated spots for display of election advertisements.
The order of names of the candidates on the ballot paper is: Leung Chun-ying (No. 1), Ho Chun-yan (No. 2) and Henry Tang Ying-yen (No. 3).
At the briefing session, Mr Justice Fung advised candidates regarding the Guidelines on Election-related Activities in respect of the Chief Executive Election and the relevant legislation, and important points to note when conducting electioneering activities.
"The election expense limit for this Chief Executive Election is $13 million. Candidates are required to submit to the Registration and Electoral Office a return of election expenses not later than 30 days after the gazettal of the election results. The return must cover all the election expenses incurred by the candidate or his authorised persons, all donations received in cash or in kind, and any unpaid claims," he said.
He also reminded candidates to take note of the regulations governing the display of election advertisements and the procedure for submission of the declaration and copies of election advertisements.
In addition, Mr Justice Fung briefed the candidates concerning electioneering on TV and radio, and on media reporting as set out in the electoral guidelines.
"During the election period, broadcasters should treat all candidates according to the fair and equal treatment principle. Candidates should also use their best endeavours to take part in election-related programmes in order to enable electors and the public to be apprised of their platforms. However, for programmes that are not election-related, candidates may take part as guests in these programmes insofar as their participation is pertinent.
"Candidates should avoid receiving unfair extra publicity. Other people and organisations should also avoid giving unfair extra publicity to any candidate in their activities," he said.
During the briefing session, Mr Justice Fung also introduced the arrangements for polling and counting of votes in the election.
"Voting for the Chief Executive Election will take place on March 25. The main polling station and the central counting station will be located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first round of voting will be held from 9am to 11am. Should there be a need for more than one round of voting, the second and third rounds of voting will be scheduled from 2pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 8pm respectively on the same day," he said.
Once the poll is closed, the ballot boxes will be delivered to the central counting station where the counting of votes will take place. Candidates, election agents and counting agents may observe the entire counting procedure. Members of the public can also observe the counting process from the designated area inside the central counting station. After the completion of vote counting, the Returning Officer will announce the election results at the central counting station.
Information on the Chief Executive Election is available on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).
Ends/Sunday, March 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:52
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