Turnout Meaningless But Please Vote Anyway: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has again urged Hong Kong people to vote in this month's Legislative Council elections, but also insisted that the turnout on the day will be meaningless.

In an interview with the Global Times, Lam said she was "now calling daily on registered voters in Hong Kong to actively participate" in the Legco elections.

On Tuesday, she said those casting their ballots would be showing their support for Beijing's revamp of the SAR's electoral system.

But when the Global Times asked Lam if she was worried about a possible low turnout for the polls, she said such an eventuality wouldn't mean anything.

"The turnout rate is affected by many factors. There is a saying that when the government is doing well and its credibility is high, the voter turnout will decrease because the people do not have a strong demand to choose different lawmakers to supervise the government. Therefore, I think the turnout rate does not mean anything," she said.

The English-language newspaper also noted that over the years, people had seen many "emotional moments" from Lam, with "a lot of tears and helplessness".

Asked what supported her in those difficult times, Lam replied it was Beijing, her family, and the promise she made when elected in 2017 to stick with the Hong Kong people "no matter what storms and waves may arise".