ENG-2003 — Page 40

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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divided into 390 constituencies, each represented by one elected member. Having regard to the significant increase in population in certain districts, 10 elected seats were added for the second term DCs, thus making a total of 400 seats. The election for the second term DCs was held on November 23, 2003. Over 1.06 million registered electors cast their votes on the polling day, representing a turnout rate of 44.10 per cent. The second term DCs began their four-year term on January 1, 2004.

Electoral Affairs Commission

The Electoral Affairs Commission, an independent statutory body, is responsible for ensuring that elections in the HKSAR are conducted openly, honestly and fairly. It comprises three politically neutral persons appointed by the Chief Executive and is headed by a High Court judge. The commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Chief Executive on the delineation of geographical constituencies and District Council constituencies, making regulations on practical arrangements for the Chief Executive election, the Legislative Council election, the District Council election and rural elections, and handling complaints relating to these elections. The Registration and Electoral Office, a government department headed by the Chief Electoral Officer, works under the commission's direction and carries out its decisions.

Working Relationship of the HKSARG with the MFA Office

Article 13 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR provides that:

The CPG shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC shall establish an office in Hong Kong to deal with foreign affairs.

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR (MFA Office) was established by the CPG to deal with foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR. Since July 1, 1997, the HKSAR Government has established effective communication channels with the MFA Office in handling the external affairs of the HKSAR, working in strict accordance with the Basic Law. The HKSAR Government liaises closely with the MFA Office in the following areas:

(a) Participation in international organisations and conferences

where necessary,

the approval of the CPG will be sought in accordance with the Basic Law. For instance, the CPG's approval is required if the HKSAR wishes to participate in an international organisation or conference limited to states (BL 152);

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(b) negotiation and conclusion of international agreements with foreign states and regions where necessary, the CPG's authorisation will be obtained in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. For example, the CPG's specific authorisation is required for the negotiation and conclusion of Air Services Agreements with foreign states (BL 133); and

(c) matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the HKSAR — the establishment of foreign consular and other official or semi-official missions is a matter for the MFA Office (BL 157). The HKSAR Government is responsible for the day-to-day management of the consular corps, such as the issue of consular identity cards, actual provision of privileges and immunities and ensuring the security of consular premises.