International Law

Prisoners voting rights in Hong Kong

By John Hirst

On 18 December 2008, I reported on this development.

Less than 2 months later, I can report that the Chinese authorities have leaped in front of the UK on the human rights issue of prisoner voting...

Article in full

Views sought on prisoner voting rights

The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau is seeking public views on three proposals on prisoner voting rights until March 23.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said today the Government has proposed in the consultation document to remove the existing disqualification of prisoners from applying to register as electors.

Option one is to remove the existing disqualification provision for prisoners. Mr Lam said allowing prisoners to vote will help make them more civic-minded and connected to society.

Option two is to disqualify prisoners from voting if they are serving a sentence of 10 years or more. This is to balance protecting the legislature's integrity while retaining voting rights for less-serious offenders.

Option three is to disqualify prisoners from voting if they are serving a sentence of 10 years or more, while enabling them to resume the right to vote in the last few years of imprisonment. This would enhance their civic-mindedness and facilitate their reintegration into society.

"As far as the Government is concerned, we have an entirely open mind. We believe it is important for the administration, the legislature and the community to explore and discuss these options," Mr Lam said.

"We also believe these options can be considered and once new legislation is enacted, we have a firmer basis of compliance with the Basic Law and compliance with the Hong Kong Bill of Rights".

The Government has also proposed practical arrangements for prisoners and remanded unconvicted people to exercise their voting right. These cover the registered address, canvassing for votes by candidates, and polling and counting arrangements.

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Read tomorrow's newspaper today

Hong Kong government press release here.

Consultation document here.

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on February 09, 2009 (boomark / email).