Hong Kong Ordinances

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ORDINANCE - SECT 44

When general election can be postponed or adjourned

(Past version on 03/10/1997).

(1) The Chief Executive may, by order, direct the postponement of a
general election if, before the holding of the election, the Chief Executive
is of the opinion that the election is likely to be obstructed, disrupted,
undermined or seriously affected by riot or open violence or any occurrence of
public danger.

(2) The Chief Executive may, by order, direct the adjournment of the polling
or counting of votes in respect of a general election if, during the polling
or counting of votes in respect of the election, the Chief Executive is of the
opinion that the polling or counting of votes is likely to be or is being
obstructed, disrupted, undermined or seriously affected by riot or open
violence or any occurrence of public danger.

(3) The Returning Officers concerned must give effect to a direction under
this section as soon as practicable after being notified of it.

(4) If a general election, or the polling or counting of votes at a
general election, is directed to be postponed or adjourned under this section,
the Chief Executive must specify a date for the holding of an election, or a
poll or the counting of votes, in place of the postponed election or the
adjourned polling or counting. The Chief Executive must give notice of that
date in the Gazette. That date must not be later than 14 days from the date on
which the election, poll or count would have taken place but for the
direction. (Amended 48 of 1999 s. 28)