SCMA briefed on practical arrangements for LegCo By-election (with photos)
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Mr Nip noted that the REO would put in place comprehensive measures to ensure that the By-election would be conducted openly, fairly and honestly in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant electoral legislations.
Firstly, Mr Nip was briefed on the polling procedures in ordinary polling stations, including identity verification, issuance of ballot papers, polling arrangements, security and the capacity of ballot boxes.
Starting from December 1, 2017, an elector must present the original of his/her identity document (usually a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card) or other specified alternative document(s) to the polling staff inside the polling stations when applying for a ballot paper. Members of the public may visit the website of the 2018 LegCo By-election www.elections.gov.hk/legco2018by/eng/brief.html or call REO at 2891 1001 for more details.
Mr Nip reminded electors to bring the original of their Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or other specified alternative document to enable polling staff to conduct identity verification before issuing ballot papers during the By-election, to be held on March 11.
He was then shown the layout of the Central Counting Station, which consists of an unloading area, ballot box reception and deposit areas. A dedicated demonstration was also conducted to show the counting workflow, including the receipt and handling of ballot boxes, the opening of ballot boxes and sorting of ballot papers, the counting of votes and handling of questionable ballot papers. The Central Counting Station will be set up at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Mr Nip said he appreciated the REO’s efforts in preparing the By-election and noted that a recruitment exercise, which is aimed at recruiting around 12,000 staff members to work at polling stations and the Central Counting Station, was launched in November 2017 for the By-election. The REO will also organise briefing sessions on management and statistical work for polling and counting staff so that they can familiarise themselves with the work procedures for the day.
The 2018 LegCo By-election for the Hong Kong Island Geographical Constituency (GC), Kowloon West GC, New Territories East GC and the Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape Functional Constituency will be held on March 11, 2018.
Ends/Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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