Only 23 have filed their papers ahead of today's swearing-in
Only 23 lawmakers had lodged their declaration of interests by last night, on the eve of today's opening of Legco.
The 37 other legislators-elect have to file their declarations by 2.30pm today, which is when members will begin taking their oaths of office.
Although failure to meet the deadline would not prevent a lawmaker being sworn in, the matter could be followed up in the Legislative Council's committee on members' interests, a spokesman for the Legco secretariat said.
The spokesman said Legco's rules state that members should disclose their registrable interests to Legco no later than the first meeting of each term.
'There is still time for members to make their declaration,' he said, referring to today's deadline.
The swearing-in ceremonies will be followed by a vote to decide if Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai or Democrat Albert Ho Chun-yan should become Legco president.
