Acting Chief Executive (CE) Henry Tang has promised to ensure that the by-election to choose Hong Kong's new CE is "open and fair".

Tang said this yesterday after the State Council accepted Donald Tsang's resignation as chief secretary for administration and named Financial Secretary Tang as the acting CE in line with the Basic Law.

According to the Basic Law, Tsang automatically relinquished the acting CE's post when he resigned as chief secretary. Tsang, who became the acting CE in March, tendered his resignation on May 25 to prepare for the CE bypoll.

Tang said his most important task now was to make proper arrangements for the bypoll so that the new leader would be elected smoothly and on scheduled in an "open and fair" manner.

According to a Xinhua report, the State Council accepted Tsang's resignation in accordance with the Basic Law on June 1, with immediate effect, but the news was announced yesterday morning.

Reiterating his support for Tsang's bid for the CE's post, Tang said he would support his campaign in every way he could, but strictly under the election guidelines that require principal officials to steer clear of any conflict of interest when supporting a candidate.

The guidelines also state that no public resources should be used and the neutrality of the civil service not compromised.

Talking to journalists after the State Council's announcement, Tang said he would continue to work closely with all the principal officials and the civil servants to ensure that the government operates smoothly.

"We will work steadfastly to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and the social stability of our community," Tang said.

All members of the Executive Council had accepted his appeal to stay till the new CE took office.

(China Daily HK Edition June 3, 2005)