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The
Their intelligence and abilities are correctly quoted as an important ingredient to this territory's economic success. There is no doubt in my mind that every adult citizen is quite capable of exercising the franchise to vote in elections. only problem is that many do not appear to want to do so although it must be said that our system and circumstances have not exactly given them all that much encouragement. The speed with which Government can be made more representative depends in no small degree on how quickly the electorate can be persuaded to register and then actually vote in elections. motives of those who attempt to convince the public that it is in their interests not to register and vote must be highly
suspect.
The
The question what does Australia, Belgium and Singapore have in common, could cause a bit of head scratching. The answer is that all three territories believe very firmly that their citizens have not only a right, but indeed a duty to express their wishes at elections.
So much so
· there
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in fact that voting is compulsory in those countries are of course other countries who also follow this system merely quote these three as examples. Administratively speaking, compulsory voting would be quite simple in Hong Kong,
If some given the fact that all citizens have identity cards. form of direct election is eventually introduced into our system perhaps compulsory voting should be given consideration.
In regard to candidates I would like to make the point, and like my other Unofficial colleagues I can speak with some experience, I would like to make the point that membership of this Council has become a full time job. Whatever others may think to the contrary, we carry out this work from a sense of public duty. Many of us are indebted to understanding employers who facilitate our participation in public affairs; others who are self employed give up their own time, frequently
to the detriment of their businesses.
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