The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's district council election on Sunday was an important step to fully implement "patriots administering Hong Kong" and improve governance, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said on Monday.

The office published an article on Monday to extend its congratulations on the successful holding of the election, saying it will help power the consolidation of Hong Kong's social foundation so that it can achieve further prosperity.

The election was the first of its kind since the restructuring of the district council system in Hong Kong.

The office said the new system effectively prevents anti-China and anti-Hong Kong forces from infiltrating the district councils and puts an end to their schemes to seize governing power through the election process with backing from external forces in the West.

A total of 399 candidates ran for 176 seats in the 18 district committee constituencies and 88 seats in the 18 geographical constituencies. They will hold office for four years starting on Jan 1.

Candidates from different political and social groups, representing diverse backgrounds, showcased professionalism and displayed youthful vigor, the office said, adding that they focused on real issues of regional governance, and presented policy platforms and engaged in policy debates that allowed citizens to deeply feel the relevance of the election to their own interests.

The election was fair, just, enthusiastic and orderly, and over 1.19 million voters participated in it, the office said.

It expressed hope and confidence that the newly elected district council members will fulfill their missions, be responsible and exemplary in their actions, and actively demonstrate their love for the country and Hong Kong.