Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that he expects fierce competition in December's Legislative Council elections and called on everyone in society to throw themselves into the polls.

Lee said he will write to all civil servants on Tuesday to call on them to cast ballots.

He also called on other segments of society to support and participate in the elections, saying appeals would be made to organisations and firms to fulfil their social responsibility.

"It affects everybody and it is a civic responsibility for voters to vote," Lee said before attending an Executive Council meeting.

"It is also a civic responsibility for everybody to promote the election so that such a significant event will take its course smoothly and attract the most attention and support from everybody."

Lee said there are signs that anti-China elements and external forces have been trying to interfere in December's Legco elections and said the authorities will crack down stringently on any illegal activities that hurt the polls.

His comments came after the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office reposted articles on its website that made similar remarks.

Lee said veteran lawmakers had taken noble and upright steps to pass the torch on to younger politicians to stand, but that there had been opposition elements that argued such normal personnel changes were so-called restrictions or blessings from the authorities.

He said it's only right for the central government to be concerned about the polls as it has comprehensive jurisdiction over the SAR, but the opposition has been smearing such natural concerns as intervention.

Asked if the government has a target turnout rate for the December polls, Lee said it simply aims to do its best in all aspects to ensure the vote is a success.

He said local authorities have been taking reference from elections in other jurisdictions – such as the legislative polls in Macau last month – to come up with ways to mobilise the entire community to vote.

"We try to make this a successful election – that is why we look to the good practices of all places that are beyond us," he said.

"In particular, Macau has recently done a very successful election, and we have been in good exchange with our colleagues in Macau."

Lee went on to appeal to patriots and talented people to stand in the election as they would inject high quality and healthy competition into the race.