In this Oct 20, 2023 photo, residents pass by a giant banner installed in the city by the Hong Kong government as part of its publicity campaign for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, which is scheduled to be held on Dec 10. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government has adopted innovative methods, such as nightlife events, to promote the upcoming District Council election, the city’s constitutional and mainland affairs chief said on Wednesday.

The 2023 District Council Ordinary Election – scheduled to be held on Dec 10 – is the first large-scale citywide election after the reform of the District Councils and improving the district governance system, and is of particular significance, Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said in his reply to a lawmaker’s questions at the Legislative Council.

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To promote the new district governance structure and District Councils, the special administrative region government earlier launched and stepped up the scale of the publicity efforts launching a series of promotional activities.

The government is making every effort in taking forward various election promotional activities.

Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, HKSAR

The government hopes the public can better grasp the importance of the new District Councils and district governance structure, while at the same time foster their understanding of the new electoral system as well as the new constituencies.

“The government is making every effort in taking forward various election promotional activities,” said the constitutional affairs chief.

Besides traditional publicity methods such as posters and banners, the government has also adopted novel and down-to-earth methods, including hosting Night Vibes DC Election, DC Election at Halloween and over 100 DC Election into the Community events, proactively going into the community and engaging in communication with the public in a zero-distance manner as well as setting up exhibitions, game booths, check-in spots and parent-child interactive workshops.

“We have also leveraged on social media platforms popular with the younger generation in disseminating election information.”

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The government has also invited social elites to film the call for action clips, with a view to encourage voter turnout, Tsang said.

A number of election forums for candidates will be organized from late November to early December for the public to understand candidates' agendas, their determination and ability, he added.