Chief Secretary Eric Chan on Wednesday encouraged the private sector to offer incentives for people to vote in the Legislative Council elections on December 7, saying this is legal as long as the shops and restaurants do not encourage people to vote for a specific candidate.

After voting, people will receive a thank you card from the government.

Some shops and restaurants are planning to offer discounts to customers who present this card.

"I would like to say thank you to many private companies that provide special offers to those who vote in the election. I think this is to encourage more people to vote. It is very important for the future of Hong Kong."

Chan added the government would not verify whether civil servants have voted using the thank you card.

He said the card has no name or number, and that every card looks exactly the same, so it is impossible to use it to prove whether a person voted or not.

He encouraged civil servants to vote, saying they should support the government's work.

He hoped they would understand this.

The minister added that the government would organise a series of activities on December 6 and 7 to generate support for the election and foster a positive atmosphere.

A particular highlight will be the variety show on the evening of December 6 in the West Kowloon Cultural District, he said, which would feature performances by artists, as well as a magic show and a large-scale dance performance, all intended to demonstrate unity in support of the election.

There will also be carnivals in Tai Po, Wan Chai and North Point, as well as free entry to the Wetland Park, public swimming pools, the Science Museum, the Space Museum and the Art Museum.

Small gifts will be given out at markets, there will be an extra hour of free parking at some shopping malls, and double points will be awarded at recycling facilities.