(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam encouraged the public to actively participate in the elections and warned that urging others to cast blank votes is a violation of the city’s election laws.

Mrs Lam made the remarks ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting in response to reports that some people are calling on others to either boycott the upcoming Legislative Council Election or cast blank votes.

She explained that law enforcement agencies will take immediate action against activities that aim to undermine the integrity of the city’s public elections.

“We have a piece of legislation called the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. So any activities in public that would incite other people to either not cast a vote or cast an invalid vote could also breach the law.

“So I will forewarn that people should not try to breach the law by inciting, promoting activities that will undermine the integrity of a public election.

“If we notice that there is any sort of that activity, the law enforcement bodies will take very robust action.”