More than1.14 million of the 2.96 million registered electors - about 38.83% - have cast their votes in the 2007 District Council Election.

The counting of ballot papers from 364 constituencies was completed at 4.10am today. Click here to see the election results.

Fair election: Chief Executive Donald Tsang inspects the Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre Counting Station after the close of the election. Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee is satisfied with the overall electoral arrangements.

Inspecting the Wong Nai Chung Sports Centre Counting Station after the close of the election last night, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said the election was conducted in a fair, open and impartial manner.

He looked forward to working closely with the newly elected DC members to create a more harmonious and beautiful living environment for Hong Kong people.

Smooth process

Speaking at a press conference today, Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee said the vote-counting process took about five hours to complete after polling ended last night.

This was faster than that in the 2003 District Council election, when counting was completed about six hours after polls closed, he added.

A preliminary analysis attributed the relatively smooth process to the polling-cum-counting station arrangements, small number of questionable ballots and well-trained counting staff.

"I consider the counting of votes efficient and I am satisfied with the overall electoral arrangements," he said.

Review report

The commission will review electoral arrangements and study how to improve them. A report will be submitted to the Chief Executive on matters relating to the election within the next three months.

On the polling day alone, the commission, 18 Returning Officers and 488 Presiding Officers in charge of polling stations handled about 2,000 election-related complaints.