The General Election - it must be free and fair
23 September 2009
Other notices have informed the public that the Legislative Council has been dissolved and that a General Election will be held in November. Our new Constitution is founded upon the principle of good governance, part of which is that elections must be 'free and fair'. But already rumours are circulating that potential candidates are engaging (or are planning to engage) in corrupt practices, and one specific incident is under investigation.
The new Elections Ordinance provides severe penalties for such behaviour - up to 18 months' imprisonment and disqualification for a period of 7 years from becoming a Councillor or voting in elections. There are also penalties for those who accept bribes - not just those who give them.
Fairness also requires the equal treatment of candidates and potential candidates by the Media, and media operators are urged to monitor outputs particularly carefully during the election period.
It is part of my responsibility, along with the Governor and the police service, to ensure the maintenance of the rule of law (another 'Partnership Value' in our Constitution); anyone who may be tempted to engage in unfair practices should be under no illusion that I will take whatever legal measures are available to me to ensure that the electors enjoy a free and fair general election.
Kenneth I Baddon
Attorney General
23 September 2009