First elections after improving electoral system held successfully
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As the first elections held after the approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), these elections are particularly meaningful. They mark the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" in the political system of the HKSAR, the safeguarding of sovereignty, security and development interests of the nation, and the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".
The EC is endowed with important functions under the improved electoral system, including nomination and election of the Chief Executive, nomination of candidates for the Legislative Council election and election of 40 Legislative Council members. Made up of 1 500 members from 40 subsectors, the EC is broadly representative and fulfils the principle of balanced participation. Through their election manifestos and interactions with members of the public, they have shown their commitment to society. The voter turnout rate of nearly 90 per cent today also reflected the support for the new electoral system by members of various subsectors.
I am grateful to the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee, the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) and all working staff for acting strictly in accordance with the law in the implementation of every part of the improved electoral system, enabling the conduct of the elections in an open, fair and honest manner. A number of enhancement measures have also been successfully implemented in the elections for the first time, including the Electronic Poll Register System and special queue arrangements, building a good foundation for future elections.
The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will take stock of the experience in implementing various arrangements in the polling stations today for future reference and will continue to work closely with relevant parties such as the EAC and the REO to devise comprehensive and detailed plans for the upcoming Legislative Council General Election and the Chief Executive Election, ensuring that the elections could be conducted properly and smoothly.
Ends/Sunday, September 19, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:34
Issued at HKT 20:34
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