development of political organisations
is an inevitable
Bribery
lines
consequence of political We do not seek to control nor encourage political parties or political donations. The only constraints in place need for political organisations to register either
Companies Ordinance
(Chapter 32) or the Societies (Chapter 151), the restriction on the collection of in public places, and the Prevention of (Chapter 201) on which inhibits incumbent members of tiers of representative government from receiving The latter effect was unintended, and could be ameliorated by suitable amendments to the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance (Chapter 288) and the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Chapter 201) to allow incumbent members to receive donations towards their
election expenses. Detailed proposals and draft legislation are being prepared.
donations
Ordinance
donations.
the three
5
The political development of Hong Kong following the introduction of direct elections to the Legislative Council, and the formation and evolution of political organisations along party lines, has inevitably opened up discussion on the whole area of funding and financing of political activities, political donations and the implications in terms of corruption and public accountability of political funds. Public concern over these
issues obtain
has increased as a result of the desire of politicians to funds publicly to finance their election expenses and the existing restrictions on fund raising activities in public places.
The OMELCO Constitutional Affairs Panel has also expressed an interest in the current controls on political fund raising activities and the Administration is committed to a review.
6
In preparation for the coming 1991 elections, candidates and prospective candidates are likely to scramble for key spots at which to display publicity banners and posters before and during the election. The OMELCO Panel on Constitutional Development has discussed this problem and suggested that the Administration should identify prime sites key spots for publicity in public areas and apportion them to candidates on a fair basis.
Arqument
Status and accountability of political organisations
7
A political organisation can at present exist in Hong Kong in four forms: as a society, as a company, as a trade union; or as a loose unregistered group. Although trade unions are permitted
to participate in
in political activities, the membership, under the Trade Unions Ordinance those who are engaged in the trade, industry
restriction on (Chapter 332),
to