The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
 
     The counting of votes for the 2022 Legislative Council Election Committee constituency by-election commenced at 11.43am this morning (December 18) and was completed at 12.42pm. The counting process took around an hour to complete. The Returning Officer announced the election result at 12.58pm.
 
     "Overall, the polling and counting processes went very smoothly. The by-election was conducted in an open, fair and honest manner. The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) is satisfied with the arrangements," the Chairman of the EAC, Mr Justice David Lok, said on the conclusion of the by-election.
 
     The EAC extends its special thanks to the staff of the Registration and Electoral Office, the polling stations and central counting station for their contributions and efforts, including the preparatory work, participation in hands-on training and simulated activities before the election, as well as the electoral duties today. Electoral staff's commitment to work contributed to the smooth conduct of the by-election.
 
     The EAC is very thankful to the government departments involved, especially the members of the Crisis Management Committee including the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Information Services Department and the Department of Justice. Mr Justice Lok also thanked the Health Bureau as well as the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for their valuable advice on infection control measures.
 
     Last but not least, the EAC would like to thank all Election Committee members for their active participation in casting their votes, the candidates and their electioneering teams for their co-operation as well as extensive media reporting, so that the polling and counting processes were conducted in an open, fair and honest manner.
 
     The EAC will conduct a detailed review of various arrangements for the by-election. A report will be submitted to the Chief Executive within three months as prescribed by the law.

Ends/Sunday, December 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:38

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