Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung has vowed to take tough action against any attempts to disrupt the forthcoming Legislative Council elections, noting that 29 people have been arrested so far in relation to 35 cases.

The LegCo elections are scheduled for Dec 7, just under two weeks away. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Tang said any attempts to influence the elections will face strict law enforcement, adding, “Those involved will undoubtedly face legal consequences.”

Tang said most of the 35 cases are related to the criminal damage of promotional materials.

He called on all eligible voters to cast their ballots on Dec 7, elect those who love the country and Hong Kong, and who can contribute to the development of the city as members of LegCo.

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Tang stressed the SAR government’s commitment to cracking down on subversive activities, citing the authorities’ considerations to prohibit the operations of two organizations deemed subversive as “necessary for safeguarding national security”.

The two groups are the Canada-based “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” headquartered in Taiwan.

The two groups, Tang said, were founded with the sole aim of “splitting the country and subverting State power”. Their operations are aimed at undermining the Constitution and the fundamental system of the country, as well as eroding the authority of both the SAR and the central government by pushing for “Hong Kong independence”, added Tang.

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Tang said 19 members of the “Hong Kong Parliament” had earlier fled the city and were already wanted and identified as absconders under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Another of its members, based in Hong Kong, was previously sentenced to 12 months in jail for offences related to seditious intent.

Four members of the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to subvert State power, and are currently awaiting court proceedings. A fifth member of the group is wanted on suspicion of violating the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance by allegedly advocating that voters spoil their ballots or boycott the upcoming LegCo elections.

The two groups have been given seven days to present their representations before the government makes a final decision, Tang said.

If they are officially designated as “prohibited” organizations, anyone serving as a member, inciting others to join, partaking in their activities, or offering support could face up to 14 years behind bars and a fine of HK$1 million ($128,584), added Tang.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com