The village representative by-elections nomination period was gazetted today; 20 vacancies will open from December 10 to 23.

By-elections cover resident representatives for Ma Tseuk Leng Ha, Wo Keng Shan, Nam Wai, Tsam Chuk Wan, Tai Lam Liu, Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai, Ping Chau Sha Tau, A Shan, San Tau Kok, and Tsuen Tsz Wai; and indigenous inhabitant representatives for Tam Shui Hang, Wa Shan Tsuen, Ha Wo Che, Tai Lam Liu, Ping Chau Chau Tau, To Kwa Peng, Lung Mei, Tai Om, Ma Wan Main Street and Shui Tsan Tin Tsuen.

To be eligible for the indigenous inhabitant representative by-election, a candidate must be an indigenous inhabitant and an elector of the indigenous village and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong.

A resident representative by-election candidate must be a resident of the village and have lived there for six years immediately preceding the nomination, and an elector of the village.

Candidates of both categories must be permanent Hong Kong residents aged 21 or above, and can stand as a candidate in only one village. Each candidate must be nominated by at least five electors from that village, and each elector may nominate only one candidate.

Nomination forms are available at the public enquiry service centres of the New Territories District Offices, the Home Affairs Department and the Village Representative Elections website.

They must be submitted in person to the returning officer by 5pm on December 23.

A poll will be held for a village on January 17 if it has more than one validly nominated candidate. For enquiries, call 2152 1521.