There are indications that anti-China and destabilizing forces, and external influences, are trying to interfere with and disrupt the upcoming Legislative Council elections by spreading rumors, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu warned on Tuesday.

He pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure that the polls for the eighth-term legislature, to be held on Dec 7, will proceed honestly, orderly, and securely, enabling candidates from various backgrounds to compete fairly.

Any illegal act to undermine the elections will be forcefully dealt with, Lee said ahead of a weekly Executive Council meeting.

He emphasized the significance of the elections in upholding constitutional order, ensuring good governance in the special administrative region, and safeguarding national security.

With the central government exercising overall jurisdiction over the SAR, it’s natural for the nation to prioritize and show concern for the polls, he said. However, anti-China and destabilizing forces have tried to misrepresent this legitimate concern as “election interference”.

Lee also noted there have been deliberate distortions concerning routine legislative personnel changes, portraying them as unfounded candidacy restrictions and covert maneuvers with a so-called “blessing list”.

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The SAR government firmly opposes such activities and will crack down on any illegal act to undermine the elections, he said. The authorities will improve electoral arrangements for seamless proceedings, particularly in helping candidates to actively conduct their electoral campaigns. This will include presenting their platforms, participating in publicity drives, and joining debate forums.

The administration will ensure that candidates from diverse backgrounds can engage in healthy competition, allowing residents to better understand them, thus fostering a vibrant citywide atmosphere of engagement in campaigning and voting.

The Chief Executive encouraged residents to actively cast their votes and fulfill their civic responsibilities, and urged employers to help them in the process.

Lee said he also plans to write to all civil servants, urging them to set examples by proactively taking part in the voting.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com