Eastern DC by-election nominations open on July 26
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    The nomination period for the by-election in the Tsui Wan Constituency of the Eastern District Council to fill the vacant office of an elected member will run from July 26 to August 8.

     "If there is more than one validly nominated candidate, a poll will be held on Sunday, September 10," a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said today (July 14).

     "Any registered geographical constituency electors aged 21 and above who have ordinarily lived in Hong Kong for the three years immediately before the nomination may be nominated," the spokesman said.

     "A nominee must have his/her nomination form subscribed by 10 of the constituency's registered electors. Each elector is allowed to subscribe to only one nomination."

     For details about nominations, potential candidates can visit www.reo.gov.hk to see the Guidelines on Election-related Activities in respect of the District Councils Elections. Hard copies of the guidelines can be obtained from the Returning Officer for the by-election. Enquiries can be made to the Election Hotline on 2891 1001.

     The nominee must personally hand in his/her completed nomination form, together with an election deposit of $3,000, to the Returning Officer within the nomination period. Nominations are accepted from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday, and from 9am to noon on Saturdays.

     The District Officer (Eastern) has been appointed as the Returning Officer for the by-election. His office is located at 11/F, Eastern Law Courts Building, 29 Tai On Street, Sai Wan Ho.

     Nomination forms are available at the two Registration and Electoral Offices at 10/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, and at 10/F Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. Both these offices will extend their service hours to include Saturday mornings during the nomination period.

     Nomination forms are also available at the office of the Returning Officer and can be downloaded at www.reo.gov.hk.

     The spokesman advised all prospective candidates to submit their nominations as early as possible so that they would have time to rectify any mistakes before the deadline.

     Details of the by-election, the appointment of the Returning Officer and the Assistant Returning Officer, and the appointment of the Nominations Advisory Committee were announced in the Government Gazette today.

Ends/Friday, July 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:51

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