The proposed change in voting hours will be watched closely to see whether they will affect voter turnout and enable the public to cast votes conveniently, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

The Legislative Council Constitutional Affairs Panel will meet on Monday and the Electoral Affairs Commission will consider any further views expressed before gazetting the polling hours, he said.

Mr Lam said the commission consulted the public regarding arrangements for the District Council Election in November.

"Over the years, the Electoral Affairs Commission has pursued open, fair and honest elections as a matter of principle. It follows this principle very closely and will not act partially towards any particular political party," he said.

As the commission is an independent statutory body, the Government accepts that on practical electoral arrangements, it is a matter for the commission to make its own decision independently, Mr Lam added.