The Government today (November 29) held exchange meetings on the theme of "improving the district governance system and reforming the District Councils (DCs)" at the Central Government Offices. Over 80 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attended to exchange views on improving the district governance system and supporting the District Council (DC) election.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, emphasised that this election is the first major territory-wide election after improving the district governance system and reforming the DCs, and is of particular significance. It also marks the final mile for the full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" in the district governance structure. This election is of great significance to the good governance and the long-term stability of the HKSAR, citizens' wellbeing and societal harmony.
Mr Lee pointed out that the HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, as members of the country's major institutions and the key force dedicated to the country and Hong Kong, can serve as the powerful leading force of "patriots administering Hong Kong". He appealed to all NPC deputies and CPPCC members to mobilise their respective sectors, organisational members, family and friends to encourage the public to cast their votes on the polling day of the DC election on December 10 so as to elect capable, passionate and competent DC members.
The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, said the Government is working closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission on various preparatory works for the election. A number of new and down-to-earth publicity campaigns have been launched, including the "Night Vibes DC Election" activities, around 170 "DC Election into the Community" events, displays of giant advertisements, banners, buntings and posters in various districts of Hong Kong, and broadcasts of promotional short videos and television series, so as to encourage the public to actively cast their votes in the election. In addition, the Government will hold the "District Council Election Fun Day" on December 9, the day before the polling day of the DC election. A variety of events will be held across various districts in Hong Kong to enhance public awareness and the atmosphere of the election.
The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address the setting up of a liaison mechanism with the NPC deputies and the CPPCC members to enhance communication and collaboration with them, which includes exchanges and meetings on a regular and non-regular basis. An exchange and liaison office and an exclusive contact point for the NPC deputies and the CPPCC members have also been set up to better gather their views and recommendations. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will take forward the regular exchange mechanism.
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