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Hong Kong. And during this hot season when people from various sectors
are mostly on vacation overseas, the promotion of the aforesaid activities
would be slowed down. The chances for participants to exchange their
views would likewise be reduced. In order that the public may have
ample opportunities to express their views, the Government should consider
extending the period of consultation from the present limit of two months
to three or four months.
Putting forward suggestions is just one way of showing concern.
This alone is not enough. All citizens (especially the voters) must try
to understand the importance of matching one's words with actions. То
obtain better results, words must be followed by actions.
Reforms in
the government system are introduced with the aim of taking care of and
reflecting the interests of the voters. However, if one just sits at
home and does nothing, one must not expect to find democracy come
automatically with all its benefits. So citizens must bear in mind that
all residents aged 21 or above who have been living in Hong Kong for
7 years are eligible to be registered as voters.
However, out of an
estimated potential electorate of 2.7 million, only a total of about
900,000 eligible citizens have registered as voters. No matter which
method would be used for the elections, every eligible citizen should
first exercise their civil rights by registering as voters. From the
time of registration to election, citizens should show more concern
about the affairs in their districts and in Hong Kong. When the time of
election finally comes, they must not give up their rights. They should
go to the polls in person and cast their votes. It is even more important
that they must not cast their votes blindly. They must make their own
choice. To be sure, the aim of introducing democracy is to protect the
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