The first information center in Hong Kong where serious electoral matters are presented in a systematic and lively manner opened to the public Tuesday.

Set up by the Registration and Electoral Office, the center uses images, photographs, videos and interactive computer games to illustrate mainly the system and arrangements for the District Councils election on Sunday.

After this election, the theme will focus on the Legislative Council election in 2000.

Speaking at an opening ceremony, Chief Electoral Officer Li Wing said a special feature of the center was a touch-screen computer system through which visitors could easily search information about 390 District Council constituencies.

The system links up the databank of 2.83 million electors with the maps of 390 District Council constituencies.

"Visitors may try for themselves how to mark a ballot paper with a chop at two real-sized polling booths," said Li. A chop bearing a "tick" is introduced for the first time this year to replace a pen for marking ballot papers. (Xinhua)