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Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, at a media session after visiting the Hennessy Road Government Primary School Polling Station in Wan Chai this (December 2) afternoon (English portion):
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: By 5.30 pm, there have been over 215,000 registered voters who have turned up to take part in the Legislative Council (LegCo) By-election for the Hong Kong Island seat today. The overall turnout rate is 34.79 per cent. This turnout rate is higher than that for the District Council Elections which took place two weeks ago, and also that for the 2000 LegCo Hong Kong Island By-election. My observation is that different candidates and political parties have been campaigning pretty vigorously in recent weeks and their efforts have paid off.
Reporter: How would you describe the canvassing activities of the candidates? Are you concerned that they may be over-enthusiastic and cause some disturbance?
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: I would say that this time round, for the LegCo By-election, because we have eight candidates and different political parties supporting these candidates, the campaigning in recent weeks has been pretty vigorous. At the same time, I do believe that different political parties and candidates in Hong Kong respect the rule of law. This is also the overall sentiment of the Hong Kong community. Therefore I would encourage them for the remaining hours of today's by-election to continue to pull votes along only do so within the law. I have every confidence in the ability of the Hong Kong Police Force to maintain law and order.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, December 2, 2007
SCMA visits a polling station in Wan Chai
Photo shows the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, visiting the Hennessy Road Government Primary School Polling Station in Wan Chai this (December 2) afternoon.
PSCMA visits a polling station in Aberdeen
Accompanied by District Officer (Southern), Ms Eva Yam, the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law (right), visits the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre Polling Station in Aberdeen this (December 2) afternoon.
PSCMA visits a polling station in Siu Sai Wan
Photo shows the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law (right), visiting the Pui Kiu Primary School Polling Station in Siu Sai Wan this (December 2) afternoon.
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