Hong Kong’s government also wants district council elections that are fair, peaceful and productive
- Despite rumours, officials want the elections to go ahead – even if it means big losses for pro-government candidates – not least because postponing them would be a PR disaster
- But protesters must stand down to ensure everyone feels safe to vote
This Sunday – if everything goes to plan – Hong Kong will hold district council elections. If you are a registered voter, you should already have received your voter’s card and the details about your candidates and polling station.
There have been many rumours that the government is thinking of postponing or even cancelling the elections. This speculation is based on the assumption that the administration would prefer to avoid the possibility of a large turnout and a large vote against pro-government candidates.
The number of registered electors is over 4.1 million – up from 3.8 million last year. All 452 seats on the 18 district councils are directly elected, making this the most democratic exercise we have in Hong Kong. While they do not have tax-raising or legislative powers, these bodies can and do reflect local residents’ opinions to higher levels of policymaking.
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The councils are therefore valuable, both in serving and assisting local residents and in providing feedback upwards to decision-makers in the government and to other public- and private-sector agencies.
Senior officials are very aware of criticism that our political system is not representative enough. They do not want to do anything to increase that criticism.
Public safety must come first, and the government cannot risk people being hurt if polling stations become targets of violent mobs.
Perhaps the risk of that is minor. But even the possibility of violence could affect the results if, for example, elderly people or people with children choose to stay away rather than cast their votes.
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The key thing is that everyone who wants to vote should be able to do so – without having to worry about their safety, or being hindered or inconvenienced in getting to the polling stations.
The government has no wish, let alone any need, to prevent people from sending a message – for or against the administration – in the elections. The district council polls will be a good opportunity for the community to express its views peacefully and clearly.
But it also has to be fair – and that means everyone should be allowed to take part without being afraid or obstructed. Let us all hope for a calm, peaceful and productive election on Sunday.
Bernard Chan is convenor of Hong Kong’s Executive Council