Ref : EDB(SAS)ADM/10/03/1(5) Government of the HKSAR Bureau

23 May 2012

Education Bureau Circular No. 6/2012

Electioneering activities conducted in schools and/or participated by school pupils

[Note : This circular should be read by – (a) Supervisors and Heads of all schools – for necessary action; and (b) Heads of Sections – for information.]

SUMMARY

This circular reminds schools of the points to note regarding the conduct of electioneering activities in schools and/or participation of school pupils in various public elections, including Chief Executive Election, Election Committee Subsector Elections, Legislative Council Election, District Council Election and Village Representative Election.

DETAILS

2. The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) conducts various public elections, including Chief Executive Election, Election Committee Subsector Elections, Legislative Council Election, District Council Election and Village Representative Election. The reminds supervisors and heads of schools to observe the relevant chapter on “Electioneering activities conducted in schools or participated by school pupils” in the “Guidelines on Election-related Activities” issued by the EAC in respect of every public election when they allow any candidate to conduct electioneering activities in their schools, or allow their pupils to participate in electioneering activities. Schools should refer to the website of the EAC at http://www.eac.gov.hk for the up-to-date guidelines in respect of various elections from time to time.

3. In summary, schools should observe the principle of fair and equal treatment to ensure that no unfair advantage will be accorded to or obtained by any candidate over others regarding election campaigning. During the election period, if a school authority has decided to allow a particular candidate to conduct electioneering activities (e.g. giving talks to students on particular topics or putting up advertising posters) in schools, other candidates should be informed and given the opportunity to do the same. Schools are also advised to remind pupils to observe the rules/regulations set by their own schools when participating in such activities.

4. In case schools allow their pupils to take part in the electioneering activities, schools must observe the following guidelines: (a) participation by pupils in electioneering activities must be entirely voluntary; (b) the written consent of a parent or guardian must be obtained beforehand; (c) in no circumstances should pre-primary or primary school pupils be asked to take part in such activities; (d) there should be no disruption of the pupils’ education, and in no circumstances should normal lessons be interrupted to enable pupils to take part in such activities; and (e) in no circumstances should pupils be asked to take part in activities in areas where they may be subject to various elements of danger, including those created by traffic.

ENQUIRY

5. For enquiries concerning this circular, please contact your Senior School Development Officer.

Miss P L WU

for Secretary for Education

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