Smooth sailing: Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says the smooth running of July's by-election is the Government's top priority.

There is no Government plan to ask the National People's Congress' Standing Committee to interpret laws governing the term of a chief executive returned in a by-election, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

Speaking on a radio show this morning, Mr Lam said the smooth running of July's by-election is the Government's top priority. If a judicial review of the election is sought, the Government will try to settle the issue quickly.

Mr Lam said if the by-election cannot be held before the expiry of the incumbent Election Committee, the Government will discuss the issue with the Central Government.

The CE elected in the by-election should be treated no differently, and be elected by the incumbent Election Committee. He said the Government will not form a new committee in haste because it will have a negative impact on the on-going review of the 2007 election.

Mr Lam called on Hong Kong people to discuss the issue calmly. He will join Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung to explain the Government's stance to the Legislative Council tomorrow.