The Hong Kong Special Administration Region government is rolling out a series of festivities, free access to public facilities, and small gifts to encourage public participation in the upcoming Legislative Council election, scheduled for Dec 7.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced that every voter who casts a ballot on election day will receive a special thank-you card, intended as a token of appreciation and a symbol of the collective effort to build a better future for the city.
The government has also designated the day before the election day, Dec 6, as a festive day, featuring a variety of public events across the city.
Highlights include a major performance at the West Kowloon Cultural District with entertainers showcasing their talents, as well as carnivals at venues such as the Tai Po Waterfront Park, Wan Chai, and the North Point Promenade.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will host sports-themed interactive activities at six of its venues. Furthermore, disciplinary services will open their facilities to the public for tours.
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Adding to the incentives, numerous government facilities will offer free admission or provide small gifts and special offers on both Dec 6 and 7, available to all residents regardless of whether they have voted. Free venues include Hong Kong Wetland Park, public swimming pools managed by the LCSD, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, and the Hong Kong Art Museum.
Environmental initiatives will also see a boost, with the community recycling network Green@Community recycling points offering double points for recyclables on those two days. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will distribute small gifts at various public markets, and the Housing Authority will provide an extra hour of free parking in designated shopping malls or markets with a specified minimum spending.
Chan also said that many private merchants and shopping malls are preparing to offer discounts and perks to voters, with details expected to be announced shortly.
He said these incentives will heighten the election atmosphere and make voting a more rewarding experience, and said he hopes this will encourage young people and unregistered residents to join the electorate and broaden participation in future elections.
“I hope residents and members of various sectors can participate in the activities, fully enjoy the offers, have a pleasant weekend, and actively cast votes to elect capable, energetic, and responsible members of the Legislative Council,” Chan added.
In addition, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan has invited civil servants to make appeals in Indonesian, Urdu and Punjabi to encourage eligible ethnic-minority voters to vote in the election.
In her social media post, Yeung said in the videos that every vote is crucial. “The ballots of you who speak English are as important as those of others who speak Cantonese, Putonghua (Mandarin), Urdu, Punjabi and other languages, so make good use of it.” She urged everyone to cherish and exercise their right to vote.
The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association's corporate members will receive special benefits on election day, such as allowing voters to redeem food items by presenting their thank-you cards, association Executive Vice-President Ma Kai-yum said.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
