The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

     The counting of votes of the 2021 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections was completed at 6.29am today (September 20). The counting of about 4 380 ballot papers was completed after polling ended last night (September 19).
 
     "Overall, we noticed that the polling process went smoothly. About 4 380 voters have casted their votes, with a cumulative turnout rate of nearly 90 per cent. All election arrangements have reflected the principles of openness, fairness and honesty. However, the processes of ballot box delivery and counting were not satisfactory, and the time taken was beyond reasonable expectation. Upon initial analysis, the counting staff lacked flexibility, and they could not respond promptly and seek assistance when facing problems. It is imperative that the Registration and Electoral Office should do a thorough review regarding the counting process," the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah, told the media this morning.
 
     The EAC will do a detailed review of any aspect which could be improved. A report on the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections will be submitted to the Chief Executive as prescribed by the law.

     The EAC is very thankful to the government departments involved, especially the Crisis Management Committee members which includes the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Home Affairs Department, the Information Services Department and the Department of Justice. Mr Justice Fung also thanked the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the members of the Electronic Poll Register (EPR) System Technical Advisory Committee, the Food and Health Bureau, as well as the Centre for Health Protection for their valuable advice about the EPR System and infection control measures respectively.

　　The interim register of members of the new term Election Committee will be published on September 27, while the final register will take effect on October 22 in accordance with the law.

Ends/Monday, September 20, 2021
Issued at HKT 9:28

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