Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor delivers a video speech at the Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2021 held online, Oct 28, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the diverse background of candidates running for the Legislative Council election is testimony to the diversity and inclusiveness of the city's improved electoral system.
Her remarks came one day after John Lee Ka-chiu, head of the candidate eligibility review committee, announced that the nominations of 153 candidates were valid.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Lam said the 153 candidates come from different backgrounds, hold different political views and have criticized government policies publicly.
“Any candidate having the support of the voters can be elected to enter the political system of the HKSAR to take part in the implementation of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’,” she said.
Carrie Lam said that the age, profession and background of the 153 eligible candidates are more diverse than those in any previous elections, adding that there is no so-called "35+" "mutual destruction" organization or politically-driven competition as in the past elections
Lam said the other characteristics of the improved electoral system are broad representation and balanced participation.
She said that the age, profession and background of the 153 candidates are more diverse than those in any previous elections, adding that there is no so-called "35+" "mutual destruction" organization or politically-driven competition as in the past elections.
READ MORE: 153 validly nominated for HK's LegCo election
“I hope that every candidate will compete with the manifesto and solicit the support of voters in a pragmatic manner.”
On polling arrangements, she said the Constitution and Mainland Affairs Bureau is liaising with the mainland authorities to firm up voting arrangements on boundary control points on the polling day for Hong Kong-registered voters in the mainland. She said announcements will be made as soon as possible.
She recalled that governance had been continuously disrupted by people with anti-China sentiments in the LegCo, who entered the governing system of the HKSAR via elections.
“Owing to political infighting, Hong Kong missed a lot of opportunities to give full play to its unique strengths to take full advantage of the development of the country,” she said.
With the improvement to the electoral system, Hong Kong is back on the right track of "one country, two systems" to open a new chapter on good administration and governance, she added.
“I appeal to registered voters to vote on December 19 for Hong Kong's future.”
With the improvement to the electoral system, Hong Kong is back on the right track of "one country, two systems" to open a new chapter on good administration and governance, Carrie Lam said
She said she would continue to urge the Electoral Affairs Commission to ensure that arrangements are smooth on the polling day.
The EAC Chairman Justice Barnabas Fung Wah held an online briefing for candidates on Friday on important points to note in running election campaigns, including rules on election expenses and clean elections. Meanwhile, the Registration and Electoral Office is making arrangements to hold training sessions for polling and counting staff to ensure a smooth workflow.
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption will mobilize all available manpower to handle suspected illegal behaviors and other incidents speedily on the polling day. The Information Services Department has strengthened publicity and Radio Television Hong Kong will produce special programs on the election to appeal to people to vote.