Hong Kong elections: Legislative Council poll set to have contests in all geographical constituencies as more moderates sign up to run
- Latest candidate to throw his hat into the ring for December election is former Democratic Party member Nelson Wong
- Hopeful Casper Wong also hands in nomination to run in New Territories North West, effectively meaning no seats will be returned uncontested
Competition has emerged for seats in all 10 directly elected constituencies in Hong Kong’s first legislative poll after Beijing’s electoral overhaul, with two more moderate candidates signing up for next month’s race before the close of nominations on Friday.
Casper Wong Chun-long, of the centrist Third Side party, also handed in his nomination to run in New Territories North West on Thursday. His participation effectively means none of the 20 seats in the 10 geographical constituencies will be returned uncontested.
The mainstream opposition is boycotting the December 19 poll, saying the new electoral model following Beijing’s shake-up stifles dissident voices.
As part of Beijing’s overhaul to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong, hopefuls eyeing a seat in the geographical constituencies must secure at least 10 nominations from the Election Committee – a powerful body packed with pro-establishment figures.
