7
The spokesman said the committee was to give advice to prospective candidates by a specified date, to be stipulated by the BEC in a gazette notice.
Normally, the process will start five to six months before an election and end on the day before the start of the relevant nomination period.
He said the committee would advise the returning officers from the start of a nomination period until seven days after its expiry.
The spokesman added that a returning officer would be required, in making a decision on the validity of a candidate, to have regard to any advice given by the committee on that candidate.
He said any advice given by the committee or refusal to give advice by the committee did not preclude a person from seeking nomination as a candidate, proceeding with a nomination or the presentation of an election petition.
He said the BEC aimed to set up the committee in late March for prospective candidates for the Legislative Council elections on September 17.
End/Thursday, February 9, 1995
Home Affairs Department to provide better services in 1995
The Home Affairs Department (HAD) will continue to improve its services to the public, the Director of Home Affairs, Mr Joseph W P Wong, said today (Thursday).
Speaking at a meet-the-media session, Mr Wong said the formation of the HAD since December 1 last year through the amalgamation of the two former Regional Headquarters had resulted in more efficient deployment of staff resources.
To enable members of the public to have a ready grasp of the wide range of services provided by the new department, a handbook has been compiled for public distribution.
The handbook explains the role of the department, the services it provides, and also gives the names, addresses and telephone/fax numbers of principal officers of the headquarters, District Offices and Public Enquiry Service Centres (PESC).