Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau is studying the High Court's decision to grant prisoners the right to vote and may consider an appeal.

The bureau said it will consult the public on prisoner voting arrangements and amend electoral legislation accordingly if it follows the court's judgment. The court will also hear the submissions made by the parties on the appropriate relief to be granted.

It said the 2008 Legislative Council election results will be unaffected by the decision. It added the LegCo elections were conducted in accordance with the electoral legislation, while legislative provisions relating to the disqualification of inmates from registering as electors and from voting have been in place for years.