The Government supports a Returning Officer’s decision that the nomination of a candidate for the 2018 Legislative Council Kowloon West Geographical Constituency By-election is invalid.

The Government made the statement in response to media enquiries today.

It said advocating or promoting self-determination or independence to be an option for the city is contrary to the content of the declaration a candidate is required to make to uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The candidate cannot possibly comply with the requirements of the relevant electoral laws.

It added the Returning Officer’s decision aims to ensure that the LegCo election is held in strict accordance with the Basic Law and other applicable laws in an open, honest and fair manner.  

There is no question of any political censorship, restriction of the freedom of speech or deprivation of the right to stand for elections as alleged by some members of the community, it added.