The District Councils (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (the Ordinance) has been published in the Gazette and comes into effect today (July 10).
 
     In order to put an end to the chaos of the sixth term of District Councils (DCs), restore the DCs to the right track, and improve the efficacy of district governance, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced on May 2, 2023, the proposals on improving district governance. The Ordinance aims to implement the proposed reform of DCs in the proposals.
     
     "Reforming the DCs is an integral part of improving district governance. With the commencement of the Ordinance, the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' is fully implemented institutionally. The DCs will return to their original positioning under the Basic Law and perform their services and advisory functions, and support the Government in district work. The efficacy of district governance would be enhanced, thereby achieving good governance and enhancing citizens' sense of happiness and satisfaction," a Government spokesman said. 
     
     The HKSAR Government will take forward the work relating to the constitution of the new term of DCs in accordance with the law, including the appointment of appointed members, related preparation work for the election, and the promulgation of appropriate guidelines for the operation of DCs and the performance-monitoring mechanism for DC members. The goal is to constitute the new term of DCs on January 1, 2024, to serve the public.

Ends/Monday, July 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 12:30

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