Electoral Affairs Committee names 12 directly elected legislators

The Electoral Affairs Committee for the Legislative Assembly Election and the General Counting Committee of the Legislative Assembly Election held a joint press conference tonight to announce the result of the general counting of ballots and the winners of the direct election. The 12 directly elected legislators are Ms Kwan Tsui Hang, Mr Chan Meng Kam, Mr Ng Kuok Cheong, Mr Ho Ion Sang, Ms Leong On Kei, Mr José Pereira Coutinho, Mr Au Kam San, Mr Lee Chong Cheng, Mr Mak Soi Kun, Mr Ung Choi Kun, Mr Chan Wai Chi and Ms Chan Mei Yi. The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Committee for the Legislative Assembly Election, Mr Fong Man Chong, said that there was no change in the result of the direct election in terms of the winners despite the difference of ballots between the preliminary counting and the general counting. In accordance with the Legislative Assembly Election Law, the General Counting Committee of the Legislative Assembly Election must, on the next day of the election, review the validity of invalid ballots or those with questionable validity. The Committee has the authority to set up the criteria and decide on the validity of the ballots. Mr Fong said the Committee had to carry out its obligation in reviewing the ballots, regardless of the number of invalid ballots. He said he believed there was no definite link between the increased number of invalid ballots and the newly adopted way of voting, that is using a designated chop to stamp a tick on the ballot. The Electoral Affairs Committee for the Legislative Assembly Election had carried a thorough research and discussion before deciding on using a chop for voting. Mr Fong said the Electoral Affairs Committee for the Legislative Assembly Election will review what contributed to the high number of invalid ballots, as well as all the related procedures of holding the election. He said that the Committee had strove for a smooth election and it would focus on the use of computer, training of personnel and information and legal framework when reviewing this election.