Hong Kong watchdog says it will work with authorities to prevent election fraud
Hong Kong's anti-graft agency said it has launched education and publicity initiatives for the Election Committee by-election, and will work with other government departments to ensure a fair, open and honest vote free of illegal practices.
Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said it will maintain close contact with relevant government departments and agencies to ensure the Election Committee by-election is conducted fairly, openly and honestly, and to eliminate electoral fraud and illegal activities. The nomination period for the by-election began on 7 October.
ICAC's coordinator for clean elections, Lee Yuen-chi, said that since July, ICAC officers have attended more than 100 meetings of the District Crime Prevention Committees, District Fire Safety Committees and District Committees across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, explaining the provisions of the Electoral (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance to about 3,000 committee members. The commission has also proactively contacted organisations and professional bodies from different sectors to arrange briefings for eligible voters.
Lee said the ICAC will attend a briefing session for candidates and election agents organised by the Electoral Affairs Commission early next month, as well as legal talks arranged by the Registration and Electoral Office for election workers. The aim is to remind all election stakeholders to jointly uphold the integrity and fairness of the election.
The ICAC added that it has launched various educational and publicity projects for the by-election. The commission will work with the Electoral Affairs Commission, the Registration and Electoral Office, the Department of Justice and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau to prevent any illegal conduct.