Chief Executive Donald Tsang urged people to vote in today's 2007 District Council Election so they can participate in the councils' work and help build a better and more harmonious community.

After casting his vote at a Central & Western District polling station, Mr Tsang said the councils' work is closely related to public interest in areas like community facilities, services and the environment.

The councils also act as a bridge between the Government and the people, and is the Government's major partner in implementing district administration.

Exercise your right: Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang and Financial Secretary John Tsang and their wives cast their votes in the 2007 District Council Elections.

"As I have said in this year's Policy Address, DCs' roles and functions will be enhanced and they will participate more in district administrative work and facilities management from January 1," Mr Tsang said, adding people's votes are needed to enhance constitutional development.

Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang and Financial Secretary John Tsang also called for constituents to vote.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said the councils' work will gain importance in the next four years as they will participate in community facility management, such as community halls, swimming pools and other sports and recreational facilities.

"We have set aside an extra $300 million for the 18 DCs to enhance their community programmes. Separately another $300 million will be allocated to DCs for the construction of minor public works items," he said.

Mr Lam described the elections as particularly competitive as for the first time in Hong Kong's electoral history there is a record number of over 900 candidates and 3.3 million registered voters.

Electoral Affairs Commission chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee said complaints about election ads and vote canvassing activities have been received, adding any violence or illegal acts aimed at affecting the elections will not be tolerated.