G F. 316
SECRET 高度機密
*0.07
In this connection, it has always been the plan of HKG
to let the BEC assume the rest of its statutory functions as prescribed in the BEC Ordinance as soon as
practicable. As another by-election is coming up, it
is now the right time for the BEC to take on the statutory responsibilities in conducting and supervising elections.
This by-election
Sha Tin District
has arisen from the resignation of a
Board elected member (George Wong). by-election is required to fill this vacancy and the polling day has been scheduled for 5
December.
Under the law a
As the vacancy has to be formally declared on 22
October, the BEC would need to start the necessary
preparation work for this by-election right from that date. HKG will therefore publish a commencement notice
to bring into operation the remaining parts of the BEC
Ordinance in the Gazette on 22 October so that the BEC
will have the necessary powers to discharge all its statutory functions as prescribed in the BEC Ordinance.
I should explain that HKG could be widely criticized if, three months after its establishment, the BEC was
still denied the responsibility for organizing a by-election.
Indeed, the work for the BEC in organizing elections/by-elections will all be technical and operational : it will merely make preparations in
accordance with existing legislative provisions, and will not/not make policy decisions. Its work certainly
will not impinge on any of the issues which are
currently being discussed between the two sides. So
there is no question of the BEC's activities prejudging the outcome of the talks in any way.
D2712
SECRET 高度機密
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.