Returning officers received 117 nominations in total for the 2008 Legislative Council election for the five geographical constituencies and 28 functional constituencies during the two-week nomination period which ended today.

Of them, 57 were for geographical constituencies while the functional constituencies had 60 nominations.

Eight nominations were received today. Four were for geographical constituencies, with two on Hong Kong Island and one each for Kowloon West and the New Territories West. The remaining four nominations were for functional constituencies.

Returning Officers also received notices of candidature withdrawal from two geographical constituency nomination lists, one from the New Territories West and the other from the New Territories East.

Nominees' eligibility

Nominees' personal particulars are available on the election website. A full list of all validly nominated candidates will be gazetted after returning officers have validated and confirmed their eligibility.

The Electoral Affairs Commission chairman Justice Pang Kin-kee will hold a briefing session for the candidates on August 5 at the International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Afterwards the returning officers will determine by drawing lots the order of the list of candidates, and candidates on ballot papers, and the allocation of designated spots for displaying election advertisements.

A poll will be conducted September 7 if the number of validly-nominated candidates in a constituency exceeds the number of seats.