Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, July 14th: In response to the recent so-called "primary election" of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong opposition organization, the Hong Kong Electoral Affairs Commission made it clear on the 14th that there is no so-called "primary election" mechanism in Hong Kong’s legislation. Forms part of the SAR Legislative Council election or public election process.
The EAC issued a statement on the same day, emphasizing that elections are serious matters. The election procedures are strictly regulated by relevant election laws. Public elections must be conducted in an open, fair and honest manner.
The statement stated that the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Acts) Regulations stipulates that any act that induces others to participate or not to participate in the election by means of bribery, force, coercion or deception is a fraud. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is a fine HK$500,000 and imprisonment for 7 years; after the election, all candidates must submit election declarations on election expenses and election donations received, regardless of whether they ultimately register for the 2020 Legislative Council Election; only candidates and their authorized election expenses The agent may incur election expenses, otherwise it is illegal.
The statement stated that under the Legislative Council Ordinance, candidates who have submitted nomination forms can only withdraw their nominations before the end of the nomination period. The current legislation does not allow candidates to withdraw after the nomination period, nor is there a so-called "abandonment" mechanism.
The statement pointed out that the public, including candidates and other relevant persons, should report to the Independent Commission Against Corruption if they suspect any violation of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. The EAC receives the complaint and will deal with it strictly and refer it to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.
The statement stated that, in accordance with Article 29 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Maintenance of National Security of the People's Republic of China, it is necessary for foreign or foreign institutions, organizations, personnel to steal, spy, buy, and illegally provide state secrets or intelligence related to national security; Foreign or overseas institutions, organizations, and personnel implement, collude with foreign or overseas institutions, organizations, and personnel, or directly or indirectly receive foreign, foreign institutions, organizations, and personnel's instructions, control, funding, or other forms of support to Hong Kong. Elections in the special administrative regions are manipulated, destroyed, and may cause serious consequences, which is a crime.