Raymond Tam urges good voter turnout

September 05, 2012

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam has called on electors to vote in the 2012 Legislative Council Election on September 9, reminding that each elector has two votes – one for Geographical Constituencies and one for Functional Constituencies.
 
Speaking to the media after opening the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2012 today, Mr Tam said competition will be severe this time, in view of the record-high number of candidates, and hopes the voter turnout rate will be higher than the 45% seen last time.
 
As some political parties have called on electors to boycott voting in the District Council (second) Functional Constituency, Mr Tam expects there may be more blank ballots and invalid votes submitted this time.
 
When asked whether the recent controversy over national studies will affect voting, Mr Tam said competition will be strong in view of the record-high number of candidates and candidate lists.
 
When asked whether a television programme criticising some candidates breached election laws, Mr Tam said the Electoral Affairs Commission should investigate the matter , adding that in accordance with election guidelines, the media should be impartial in reporting on the election.
 
He urged candidates and their electioneering teams to respect each other and maintain order so the election can be held in a fair and honest manner.