Government committed to protecting fair and open elections

The government will act strictly in accordance with the law to uphold Hong Kong's fair and open electoral system.

A spokesman said today (June 6) that like the people of Hong Kong, the government greatly cherished maintaining the free, open and honest electoral system.

"We will not tolerate any illegal acts that will damage our reputation built up over the past years," he said.

"Hong Kong has a comprehensive statutory framework in governing the conduct of elections. If anyone considers that they're under duress in any election-related activities, they should report the matter to the relevant enforcement authority.

"As always, the Electoral Affairs Commission will work closely with the Independent Commission Against Corruption in ensuring that the upcoming Legislative Council elections are clean and free from any illegal or corrupt practices."

The spokesman said the co-operation and support of the public was crucial in maintaining the fairness and openness of Hong Kong's elections.

In response to recent reports of a person suspected to have completed voter registration forms contrary to the law, the police had taken immediate action, and will take any necessary follow-up action after thorough investigation.

The spokesman also said that the current electoral law prohibited the use of mobile phones inside polling stations.

"We will step up the training of polling staff to ensure that this will be enforced effectively. We will also discuss with LegCo members, in the context of examining subsidiary legislation on the September elections, whether anything more can be done to maintain public confidence in the polling arrangements," he said.

In relation to the three radio talk show hosts who recently resigned their positions, the spokesman said the police had contacted them and had begun investigations into their cases.

"In the course of the investigation, the police have been in touch with various parties based on clues obtained from media reports and other information. However, there is no evidence, so far, to suggest anyone has a plan to deliberately impede the freedom of speech in Hong Kong," he said.

Ends/Sunday, June 6, 2004