We recognise that under the existing regime of control involving in practice a permit system, the problem of definition ill inevitably arise. We will need to consider very carefully how to define the terms "political organisations" and "political activities". Difficult problems may also arise vis-a-vis the China dimension, e.g.
donations to the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Pro-democracy Movement in China or the April 5 Group.
The collection of donations for other causes, such as the democratic movement in Eastern Europe or the dispute over the sovereignty of Diaoyutai, could also be politically Our present thinking is that normally only applications from bona fide registered organisations concerned with the political development of Hong Kong or from bona fide individual candidates standing for the three-tier elections in Hong Kong should be considered.
sensitive.
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role.
On the choice of an authority to issue permits under the scheme, it would clearly be inappropriate for the Director of Social Welfare or the Municipal Councils to take on such a Our view is that the City and New Territories Administration would be best placed to consider and approve applications for permission to collect political donations in confined public place.
Regulation of the display of election banners and posters
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Competition for space for display of election materials is a source of election disputes. The problem resurfaced recently when incumbent members put up banners and posters advertising their office well before the elections as a way to build up their image and enhance their popularity. Political groups are likely to follow suit in promoting political platforms and, indirectly, the candidates they support.
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We expect that, with the political heat generated by the 1991 direct elections to the Legislative Council and the evolution of local political groups with participation in elections as their clear objective, competition for key spots for the display of banners among candidates and political groups will be fiercer than in previous elections. It is obviously desirable to avoid disputes among candidates leading to allegations about the unfairness of elections, or intensified rivalries provoking irresponsible
irresponsible behaviour, lest this should erode public confidence in the electoral process.
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District Officers have been performing a mediating role at the district level when disputes between candidates arise during elections. We consider that this practice should be formalised and strengthened So that a better system may be implemented for controlling the display of banners, boards and the like before, during, and after elections. Such a system should
on existing legislative provisions, which
be based
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