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Contact between deaf electors and candidates
Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li Ka-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the elections of the two Municipal Councils and the Legislative Council to be held this year, will the Government inform this Council of the following:
Reply:
(a) whether the Government will consider arranging sign-language interpretation when open fora are held for candidates, so that deaf electors can understand the platforms of the candidates and raise questions thereon; if so, what the estimated manpower and expenses are; and
(b)
if the answer to (a) is in the negative, what the reasons are; and what measures will be taken by the Government to facilitate the contact between deaf electors and the candidates?
Open fora organised by the Administration for candidates during last September's District Board elections drew mixed response, with some fora having only one candidate appearing and audience size was very small at others. In view of this, no open fora are being organised for the forthcoming Municipal Council elections.
For the Legislative Council elections in September, the Administration has yet to decide whether open electoral fora will be organised for candidates. The Administration will certainly consider including sign-language interpretation if and when such fora are to be held, subject to the availability of sign-language interpreters.
Contacts between deaf electors and the candidates are not confined to participation at open electoral fora. Candidates often meet their constituents during home visits and other canvassing activities. They also make known their platform through the distribution of printed literature, either through the free mailing service provided by the Administration or other distributory channels.
End/Wednesday, February 22, 1995