Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki (right) speaks during the second meeting of the Task Force on District Governance on Oct 5, 2023. Sitting next to him are Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing (centre) and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen (left). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki instructed on Thursday the heads of the city’s government departments to make good preparations for the seventh-term District Council election scheduled in December.

Chan pointed out during the second meeting of the Task Force on District Governance that the DC election on Dec 10 marks the first territory-wide district election to be held after the DC reform in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Chan instructed the heads of departments to mobilize all necessary manpower and resources for comprehensive planning and deployment so that the election would be conducted in an efficient and orderly manner

“It is an important milestone in improving district governance and carries great historical significance. With about two months left prior to the polling day, the preparations for the election have entered a crucial stage,” Chan said.  

“All the government departments concerned must jointly make good preparations for the DC election to ensure that it will be conducted in accordance with the law in an open, fair, honest, safe and orderly manner," he added.

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Noting that the DC election involves sizeable manpower, resources and logistical arrangements, Chan instructed the heads of departments to mobilize all necessary manpower and resources for comprehensive planning and deployment so that the election would be conducted in an efficient and orderly manner.

This way, capable candidates with an affection for the motherland and Hong Kong would be returned as DC members, enabling the smooth and full-fledged operation of the seventh-term DCs starting January 1 next year, he said.

"I have every confidence that the new-term DCs will return to their original positioning under the Basic Law, perform their services and advisory functions as entrusted and support the government in planning and carrying out district work, so as to enhance the efficacy of district governance, achieve good governance and strengthen people's sense of fulfilment, happiness and security," Chan added.

The Task Force on District Governance holds its second meeting on Oct 5, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

At the meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing, the task force also followed up on the progress of the five key district initiatives formulated earlier by the Steering Committee on District Governance.

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These include expanding after-school care service and enhancing support for parents; caring for the elderly and enhancing community support; fostering clean markets and mobilizing the community to participate in anti-rodent work; enhancing public order and combatting crimes on all fronts; and improving pedestrian facilities and ensuring road safety.

The department chiefs briefed Cheuk on their work and he was pleased to note the steady progress made under various key items and measures.

Cheuk urged the departments to continue with their orderly implementation, while paying close attention to district concerns, to ensure a timely and appropriate response to people's needs.