Pristine poll: Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee says the Election Committee Subsector Elections were held in an open, fair and honest manner.

Over 56,000, or 27.4% of 204,646 registered electors from 23 contested subsectors and sub-subsectors, have cast votes in the Election Committee Subsector Elections. The figure is higher than the 2000 elections which saw a 19.49% turnout rate.

The counting of ballot papers ended before noon today. For a list of the 427 elected candidates, click here.

Speaking to the press this afternoon, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said he was happy with the turnout rate and applauded the Electoral Affairs Commission's efforts in arranging the elections. He called on qualified people to consider running in the Chief Executive Election next year.

Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee said he was satisfied with the election arrangements, adding the polls were held in an open, fair and honest manner.

When asked why it took a longer time to finish the vote counting, Justice Pang attributed it to the additional 24,000 ballot papers submitted this time.

The interim register of the members of the new term Election Committee will be published soon. The final register will take effect February 1.