CE thanks public for voting in district poll, vows to reflect

HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has thanked voters for casting their votes in the District Council election, which saw a record turnout rate of about 71.2 percent, saying that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will listen to the views of the public humbly and seriously.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lam said a total of about 2.94 million registered electors cast their votes in the election on Sunday, which showed that voters hoped to express their views through this election.

"I sincerely thank the public for their active participation in the District Council election," Lam said.

She also thanked candidates for their participation despite the challenges they faced, adding that the district poll had been conducted in very difficult circumstances due to the social incidents over the past few months.

She said the District Councils are an important component of Hong Kong's political system, which not only reflect the views from the districts to the government and contribute to the development of the communities, but also play a positive role in monitoring the provision of public services in the districts.

"With the sixth-term District Councils assuming office on Jan 1, 2020, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will strengthen cooperation with the District Councils to solve district problems which are of concern to the public," she said.

She also expressed gratitude to outgoing District Council members, many of whom have served in the relevant districts for many years.

Sunday's election was held in a generally peaceful, safe and orderly manner, Lam said, adding that she firmly believed the vast majority of the public would share her wish for peace and order to continue after five months of unrest in the city.

She also thanked election workers and the civil service team for enabling the smooth operation of the election.

She said the HKSAR government respects the election results, which some people said reflected people's dissatisfaction with the current situation and the deep-seated problems in society.

"The HKSAR government will listen to the opinions of members of the public humbly and seriously reflect," Lam said.