Chief Executive John Lee and the head of Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) David Lok on Thursday jointly called on voters to cast their ballots in the Legislative Council elections on December 7, saying the polls will directly affect their daily lives and shape the city's future.

At an event to mark the beginning of the election process, with the nomination period to begin on Friday, Lee said electing capable, responsible lawmakers is crucial, as many policies require legislation or funding.

"I call on and expect all institutions, enterprises, and organisations in Hong Kong to respond enthusiastically, and actively fulfil their social responsibilities, encouraging and providing conveniences for employees to fulfil their civic responsibilities by casting a sacred vote.

"So we can elect capable, ambitious, passionate and practical members of the eighth Legislative Council to jointly contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the well-being of its people.

"Here I also strongly appeal to all those who are willing to serve the society to actively run for the election, and I appeal to all voters in the city to cast your vote for our common home, Hong Kong."

Lee added that as Hong Kong’s largest employer, the government will enable civil servants working on polling day to go out and vote.

The CE said under Hong Kong's revamped electoral system, Legco has "returned to the right track", with the executive and legislative branches interacting with each other effectively.

He said under the "patriots administer Hong Kong" principle, councillors have reviewed and passed 130 bills during their four-year term, representing an increase of 60 percent compared to the previous term.

Over 260 projects related to development and people's livelihoods were approved, involving a total of nearly HK$700 billion, Lee said.

The council, he added, also passed several key pieces of legislation, including the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Lok echoed Lee's remarks on the importance of voting.

"When citizens actively participate in voting, they are not merely exercising their rights, but also fighting for the interests of the general public. We have many public policies, such as those on healthcare, labour, education, transportation and housing, which directly affect the daily lives and family well-being of ordinary citizens," he said.

"It is not merely about choosing a candidate or a political manifesto, but also it's a choice by the voters for their future. Each vote might affect the governance of the SAR government, the economic development and the lives of the people."