A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government said today (August 1) that the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), the Returning Officers (ROs), the Registration and Electoral Office and all officers responsible for electoral affairs have been handling election-related matters in strict accordance with the Basic Law and relevant legislation. This is to ensure that elections are conducted in an open, fair and honest manner.
 
     "We notice that some people have, arising from their discontent over the ROs' decisions which were made in accordance with the law on the validity of individual nominations, openly launched malicious personal attacks on the Internet against the ROs, with some even making intimidating remarks and threatening to take action. Such remarks and threatened action are unacceptable. The SAR Government strongly condemns such acts. The Police are highly concerned about the matter and will take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

     "We note that a number of election-related activities will be held later, including election forums and the EAC's briefing for the candidates. The SAR Government appeals to all those taking part in these activities to act in a peaceful, rational and law-abiding manner and to accord respect to others. Activity organisers and law enforcement authorities will follow up and take resolute action should anyone disrupt order or take any unlawful acts during these activities," the spokesman said.

Ends/Monday, August 1, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:25

NNNN