More than 1 million people cast their votes in the 2003 District Council Election, representing a turnout rate of 44%, nine percentage points higher than in the 1999 election. Both the voter turnout rate and the overall number of votes cast for this year's election were the highest ever for a District Council election. For election results, click here.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said he was proud that the election was conducted in a fair and open manner.

This clearly showed the civic spirit of voters and he was looking forward to working closely with the new district council members to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said the election had been conducted smoothly with the broad support of the people of Hong Kong. This has a positive bearing on promoting the future work and development of the District Councils.

He said the results of this election, and the active participation of the people of Hong Kong, provided a solid foundation for the review of the composition, roles and functions of the District Councils which the Government will be undertaking.

"The keen interest of the people of Hong Kong in community development and public affairs will be conducive to the public consultation on constitutional development, which will commence in 2004," he added.