Government hopes for higher voter turnout at elections

The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, hopes the voter turnout rate at tomorrow's (November 23) District Council Elections will top the 35% at the last poll in 1999.

He said today (November 22) the government wanted to see a higher level of public participation in Hong Kong's public affairs. Voters, especially young people, should cherish and value their right to vote.

"Our focus has been on registering more young people as voters. Last year, we had a registration rate of 39% for the 18 to 25 years old. This year that rate has increased to 43%," Mr Lam said.

"Also since late September and early October, we have been doing promotion through the media and in various districts to remind the electorate of polling day - November 23. And also to remind electors that it is important for them to exercise their voting right, so we can choose the right candidates to represent the people in the District Councils."

Mr Lam said the government had maintained a long-standing emphasis to encourage people to register as voters and to turn out on polling day to cast their ballot.

He said it was important to continue this policy as each year a new generation of young people were reaching 18 and becoming eligible to vote.

More than 2.4 million people are on the rolls for tomorrow's District Council elections. The 423 polling booths will open between 7.30am and 10.30pm

Ends/Saturday, November 22, 2003