Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session today (November 9) after attending a radio programme:
Reporter: We have the sense that the arrest of the pan-democrats…because it is a very sensitive moment. What do you think of that? Are you worried that this will lead to more radical reactions and affect the upcoming election?
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: There is no correlation between the two. The Police is doing their job by investigating every individual case and taking appropriate actions when ready. Regarding the District Council Election, as I have made the Government's position very clear, we have a very clear objective to have the District Council Election, which is a very important one, be conducted smoothly and peacefully. This calls for the concerted effort of the whole community. Of course, the Government will do our job but it is very important for the whole community to calm down and to stop violence, so that we could have a relatively peaceful environment for the candidates and their supporters to do their campaigns. Also, on the polling day, the electors can feel safe to go to the polling stations to cast their votes. Of course, we will do all the necessary contingency measures and try our very best to have this very important election be conducted smoothly and peacefully.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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