China News Service, Hong Kong, August 2 - The Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Zhang Jianzong published a blog on August 2, stating that postponing the general election of the Legislative Council is a very difficult decision, but in order to curb the epidemic and ensure that the election is open and fair It is necessary to make this decision under circumstances, and it is also pragmatic and in the public interest.
Zhang Jianzong said that the postponement of the general election of the Legislative Council is well justified. The epidemic that has erupted since the beginning of July is extremely severe, and the risk of a major outbreak in the community is increasing. It may bring down the Hong Kong public hospital system and constitute a huge public crisis. The legislative council elections are large in scale, which will bring a very high risk of virus infection.
He pointed out that since the current regulations prohibiting group gatherings have been tightened to no more than two people, it will be impossible for candidates to conduct any meaningful gatherings. In addition, a large number of voters live, work and study in the Mainland, and many voters stranded at home and abroad are also unable to return to Hong Kong to vote due to border controls. In addition, due to the high risk of virus infection, elderly voters are very likely to avoid going to vote under the severe epidemic.
He said that if the election is held on September 6, 2020 as scheduled, it will be difficult to meet the requirements of fairness and openness, and it will endanger the safety of voters, candidates, supporters, and tens of thousands of staff in polling and counting stations.
Zhang Jianzong mentioned that as of July 15, 62 countries and 8 territories had postponed their scheduled elections due to the epidemic. Since the new wave of epidemics is likely to last for a period of time, and there may be outbreaks in winter, coupled with the important substantive functions of the Legislative Council and the annual processing cycle, elections also require months of preparation and voter registration. Therefore, to postpone the election for one year is a reasonable and in line with the public interest. (Finish)