Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog arrested four men on Thursday on suspicion of inciting others not to vote or to cast invalid ballots in Sunday’s Legislative Council election.

The arrests come after the agency has already prosecuted three people over similar alleged LegCo election offenses.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said it has arrested four men, aged 37 to 62, for allegedly reposting or leaving comments online that urged others not to vote or to cast invalid ballots.

The agency added that it will pursue the case in strict compliance with the relevant law and will consult the Department of Justice before deciding whether to bring charges after the investigation is complete.

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The commission warned that inciting others to boycott or spoil ballots during the election period might constitute a breach of law, citing Section 27A of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance.

The commission vowed to “resolutely prevent and combat” any acts that could disrupt electoral integrity, and pledged to ensure the election will be conducted “safely, fairly, openly and honestly”.

Since the addition of Section 27A in 2021, all 12 people whom the ICAC has prosecuted under the new provision have been convicted and sentenced, the commission said.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com