Smooth election despite challenges, says EAC chair

HONG KONG - Despite of the unprecedented challenges arising from the protracted social unrest, the 2019 District Council election went smoothly, said the Electoral Affairs Commission chairman Fung Wah on Monday.

That was the first election held since the outbreak of violent anti-government protests in June.

Fung thanked voters for their participation and their patience in waiting for the results. A record 2.94 million people, or 71.2 percent of registered voters, cast their ballots on Sunday.

The EAC chairman also praised the government, the police force, and staff at the Registration and Electoral Office for their efforts to ensure a successful election.

Fung made the remarks after the election results were announced officially, except for one polling station in Lam Tin district in Kwun Tong which needed a recount.

He revealed that as of 10.30 am on Monday, EAC has received a total of 7,460 complaints of irregularities, including 2,000 about election arrangements, 1,000 about campaign advertisments, and 500 on canvassing.

In response, EAC will comprehensively review its organizing work and submit a report to the Chief Executive within three months, said Fung.

In the past five months, rioters, in concert with external forces, have committed and escalated violence, resulting in social and political confrontation, rift in social sentiment and setbacks in economy and people's livelihood. Months of social unrest has seriously disrupted the electoral process.

Some rioters also harassed patriotic candidates on the election day.

With Xinhua inputs