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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said that in accordance with the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap.542), a Member's office becomes vacant if the Member dies. The Clerk to the Legislative Council must, by notice published in the Gazette, declare the existence of a vacancy in the membership of the Legislative Council within 21 days after becoming aware of the vacancy. The Electoral Affairs Commission must arrange for a by-election to be held on the making of a declaration by the Clerk to the Legislative Council as to the existence of a vacancy in the membership of that Council.
The Electoral Affairs Commission (Electoral Procedure) (Legislative Council) Regulation (Cap. 541D) provides that the nomination period must not be less than 14 days or more than 21 days. The nomination period must end not less than 28 days and not more than 42 days before the date on which the by-election is to be held. In summary, it is estimated that the by-election can be held in around four months' time.
The Registration and Electoral Office will announce the date of the by-election after it has been determined.
Ends/Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:04
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