2.
Answer:
It is important that elections conducted in Hong Kong should not be tainted by graft and other irregularities. The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance sets out the legal framework against such practices.
Everything possible will be done by the Administration and the Boundary and Election Commission (BEC) to ensure that the Legislative Council elections in September will be as honest and clean as possible.
To this end, the ICAC would ensure that candidates and their agents are fully aware of the relevant requirements and procedures to conduct a clean campaign. Their officers would visit all candidates to explain the do's and don'ts under the Corrupt & Illegal Practices Ordinance. An information package would be given to each candidate to provide an introduction to the law, illustrative cases and answers to common problems. Publicity literature for candidates' agents and campaign helpers would also be produced. ICAC officers would also take part in briefings for candidates organised by the BEC.
As for the general electorate, the ICAC would publicise, during the election period, the "Support Clean Elections" message through the mass media, posters and press advertisements. Advisory leaflets would be mailed to all registered electors. A hot-line would be set up to enable the public to make enquiries and to report any suspected irregularities. A dedicated team of 30 ICAC officers would investigate complaints from candidates and members of the public.
In addition to the efforts of the ICAC, the BEC would further refine, with experience gained from the March Municipal Councils elections, its comprehensive set of guidelines on election-related activities for the coming Legislative Council elections. The complaint procedures instituted by the Commission would encourage mutual policing and help ensure that the electoral legislation and guidelines are compiled with, and that the Legislative Council elections would be open, clean and honest.
End/Wednesday, March 22, 1995