Hong Kongโs security chief has warned that encouraging people not to vote or to cast blank ballots in the coming Legislative Council election may violate the cityโs national security legislation, pointing to such activities already occurring online.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung also said on Thursday that there would be swift law enforcement action against such conduct and criticised fugitive activist Ted Hui Chi-fung for urging people not to vote in the December 7 election on social media.
โThese acts are very vicious โฆ I hope the public will understand the facts clearly and not be misled into illegal conduct,โ Tang said.
He said the acts could violate national security laws and the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance but did not elaborate.
Former lawmaker Hui, based in Australia, is among 13 activists now overseas who have had HK$1 million (US$128,200) bounties placed on their heads by police for alleged national security offences.
Under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the cityโs domestic security legislation enacted in March last year, those convicted of collaborating with external forces to interfere in election processes, including voting rights or candidacy, face a maximum 14-year prison sentence.