XN000022-1995-03-08 — Page 72

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After the September 1994 District Board elections, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) reviewed the designation of the polling stations. used in the elections, taken into account the views and comments of candidates, returning officers and the public. It was found that the locations and facilities of some of these polling stations were unsatisfactory. As a result, 27 polling stations have been replaced, 5 added and 7 merged with other polling stations. There are now a total of 440 polling stations in the territory. The Annex sets out the details of the 7 polling stations merged with others and the reasons for the merger.

Before a polling station is cancelled, the REO will first consider the availability of a suitable replacement. Only where there is no suitable alternative would it consider merger with another neighbouring polling station. Various factors are taken into account in the designation of a polling station, including the geographical spread, physical feature, population distribution and transport facilities available in the area. An ideal polling station should be centrally located in the area, generally known to local residents and easily accessible. The polling station should be sufficiently spacious to cope with the size of the electorate. Furthermore, the station should not, as far as possible, be closely connected with any candidate.

To prepare for the September Legislative Council elections, the REO will similarly conduct a review of the polling stations after the Municipal Council elections. Any views and suggestions on the designation of polling stations will be welcomed.

The Boundary and Election Commission (BEC) has asked the REO to identify, where circumstances warrant and suitable sites are available, more polling stations for the September Legislative Council elections. The aim is to provide electors with more convenience where the expenditure of public funds is justified.

Where circumstances so require and permit, the REO will consider using temporary structures as polling stations, e.g. setting up container structures in an open space for polling. As regards mobile polling facilities, they are fraught with serious practical difficulties, not least of which are the security considerations involved. The BEC has no plan for mobile polling stations.