The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today expressed understanding and respect over the Government's decision to postpone the 2020 Legislative Council General Election.

In a statement, the commission said it wrote to the Chief Executive on July 28 expressing concerns over the impact of COVID-19 on the election.

The Registration & Electoral Office (REO) has been closely liaising with the Centre for Health Protection on the precautions for COVID-19 in this election and working on plans for preventive measures.

The EAC pointed out that even with various disease prevention measures implemented at polling stations, large group gatherings will still be unavoidable. Requiring all electoral staff and electors to observe social distancing at all times will also be difficult.

The statement reiterated that the EAC is an independent, apolitical and impartial body which decides on and supervises public election matters in accordance with actual and objective considerations and related legislation.

The EAC added that follow-up arrangements of the postponement such as how candidates calculate election expenses will be announced in due course after co-ordination between the REO, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau and other related departments.

Candidates are reminded to keep all invoices and receipts concerned.

Additionally, the lots drawing session to allocate ballot paper numbers for candidates and online briefing for candidates scheduled for August 4 and 6 have been cancelled.