Hong Kong’s leader has called on the public and private sectors to encourage employees to vote in the coming Legislative Council election, describing it as their social responsibility.

At the ceremony to launch the election on Thursday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged both public institutions and businesses to encourage employees to take part in the poll, emphasising that voting was both a right and a civic duty.

“I strongly urge all sectors of society, including various institutions, businesses, organisations and groups, to fulfil their social responsibility by encouraging employees to vote on polling day, and offering them support where feasible,” Lee said.

“Civil servants as part of the government should lead by example, vote and demonstrate their support for governance, and back the government’s policy of motivating all voters to vote.”

He added that civil servants at work on polling day would be permitted to take time off and receive transport allowances to cast their ballots.

Lee also outlined the government’s three major priorities in preparing for the election: ensuring a fair, clean and safe election; encouraging capable and passionate “patriots” to run; and mobilising citywide participation.