Electoral Affairs Commission chairman David Lok said on Sunday that voting in the Legislative Council election had been smooth so far. He also expressed hope that the polls would help the city return to normal following the Tai Po fire.

During a media briefing, Lok told reporters that all polling stations will turn into counting stations once voting ends at 11.30 pm. Ballots from the functional and election committee constituencies, meanwhile, will be sent to the central counting station at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The electoral affairs chief added that the commission has received 245 complaints so far, including 57 relating to election activities in private and government buildings, 36 concerning election advertisements, and 35 regarding voting arrangements. Officials will follow up on the cases as quickly as possible, he added.

Lok also said he hopes the election will inject new energy into society.

"We saw on television that some victims of the Tai Po fire came forward proactively for their future and cast their votes. If this election can give Hong Kong some positive energy and mark the beginning of its return to normality, then I believe it will be a success," he said.

Lok urged anyone who has not voted to cast their ballot before the polls close.