Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) visited a mock polling station in North Point Community Hall today (5 December 2023) to review the facilitation measures for electors with special needs ahead of the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election on 10 December 2023.

As the statutory body tasked with eliminating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, the EOC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their race or disabilities, can participate in society equally. In this respect, the EOC is concerned about whether all eligible voters, particularly those with special needs, can participate in the election process to exercise their right to vote.

Following his visit to the mock polling station, Mr Chu commented, “As with previous elections, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has implemented a number of measures to facilitate voters with special needs. In addition to facilitation measures for people with mobility difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, the REO has also put in place alternative queuing arrangements, prepared pictorial voting aid, and guidance on voting procedures in eight languages in addition to Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean. These measures facilitate the equal participation of eligible voters with diverse needs and languages in the election, enabling them to exercise their voting rights.”

Mr Chu continued, “The EOC has set up a dedicated link on its website to facilitate members of the public to visit the webpage on special facilitation measures for electors. The upcoming District Council election holds special significance, as it will be the first large-scale election to take place in Hong Kong since the Government enhanced governance at the district level. I would like to encourage all citizens to go out with their families and vote on the Election Day. By fulfilling our civic duties and casting our votes, we can create a more equal, caring, and inclusive community together.”

Visit the website below for more details on the special facilitation measures for electors:
https://www.eoc.org.hk/Upload/files/2023-DCOE/2023%20Facilitation%20measures_Eng.pdf

Click on the link below to watch a video message from the Chairperson of the EOC on the District Council Ordinary Election:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz8tNWYC-sw

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Equal Opportunities Commission
5 December 2023
 

EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky Chu Man-kin visited the mock polling station in North Point Community Hall to review the facilitation measures to be provided on the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election polling day for electors with special needs. 

Polling stations will be equipped with a Language Assistance Folder which will contain guides on voting procedures written in eight languages in addition to Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean to assist electors of diverse races in casting their votes.

Accessible polling stations will be equipped with enlarged voting compartments with lower polling tables for electors who are wheelchair users.