The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau will apply to the High Court for the suspension of yesterday's ruling to grant prisoners the right to vote.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said today a temporary suspension is needed to allow any by-elections concerning the Legislative Council, District Councils and the Chief Executive to be held in accordance to the current law.

"We are applying for a suspension on the implementation so in months ahead, if there were any by-elections to take place, we could conduct such an election according to existing legislation," he said.

"On the other hand we are studying how the court's decision can be implemented. Yesterday the court said it is up to the legislature and the Chief Executive to determine how the voting right can be restricted in a reasonable fashion. If we were to proceed we would need to go through public consultation. It will take some time."

He emphasised the Government's decision will be made based on the Basic Law, the Bill of Rights Ordinance and related laws.