First elections held successfully after improving electoral system
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A Government spokesman said, "After improving the electoral system, the new EC consists of a number of subsectors and is broadly representative. It plays an important role in the political system. Apart from nominating and electing the Chief Executive, it will also nominate the candidates for the Legislative Council (LegCo) election and elect 40 LegCo members. This new constitutional function will facilitate rational interaction between the executive authorities and the legislature, and effectively enhance governance efficiency. The new electoral system has laid down a solid foundation and with the support of the general public, we believe Hong Kong is able to fully and accurately implement the principle of 'one country, two systems' and maintain long-term prosperity and stability."
In the elections, 364 EC members were elected and a total of about 4 380 voters voted, representing a turnout rate of nearly 90 per cent. They will form the new term of EC together with the 325 ex-officio members who have been validly registered, the 156 nominees who have been validly nominated and 603 candidates who have been returned uncontested earlier. The term of office will commence on October 22, 2021 and end on October 21, 2026.
The Government spokesman continued, "We thank the Electoral Affairs Commission, the Registration and Electoral Office and all staff for their professional work, ensuring that the elections are conducted in an open, fair and honest manner, and for having successfully implemented a number of enhancement measures for the first time, including the Electronic Poll Register (EPR) system and special queue arrangements, etc."
"We are also grateful to many government departments, including the Hong Kong Police Force, Fire Services Department, Civil Aid Service, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Home Affairs Department, Information Services Department, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, Food and Health Bureau, and Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and Department of Justice, as well as the Technical Advisory Committee on EPR, which have all provided full support and professional advice, such that the elections could be conducted in a safe and orderly manner." The spokesman continued.
The National People's Congress (NPC) made the Decision on Improving the Electoral System of the HKSAR on March 11, 2021. With the authorisation of the NPC, the NPC Standing Committee adopted the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law on March 30.
According to the relevant amendments, the EC is increased to 1 500 members and composed of five sectors, including industrial, commercial and financial sectors; the professions; grassroots, labour, religious and other sectors; members of the LegCo, representatives of district organisations and other organisations; and HKSAR deputies to the NPC, HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations. The members of the EC are returned by three methods, including ex-officio members, nominated members and elected members.
Ends/Monday, September 20, 2021
Issued at HKT 9:39
Issued at HKT 9:39
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