Who wants to be a Hong Kong lawmaker? Can they win over opposition voters? A look at aspiring candidates, from moderates to reformists to staunch loyalists
- Analysts say lawmakers in a newly revamped legislature are likely to differentiate themselves by representing residents of different social classes rather than political leanings
- One important issue that all members have to address is to connect with a sizeable segment of society that used to support opposition bloc
As nominations for the Legislative Council election wrapped up on Friday, all eyes will now turn to how aspiring candidates will change the political landscape in Hong Kong. What do they represent and how will the different camps compete for causes and voters? Natalie Wong looks at the issue in the second of a three-part series on the Legco nominations. Read part one here.
In the past, hopefuls had to secure nominations from voters. But this time, all candidates – from whichever constituency – had to win at least 10 such endorsements from the all-powerful, 1,500-member Election Committee, many of whom are Beijing loyalists, before being allowed to submit their papers.
As one of the many opposition members who ran and won in the district council election in 2019, riding on the wave of anti-government protests, Choi is obviously an outsider to the pro-establishment camp, if not outright nemesis.
The Sai Kung District Council vice-chairman said it took him seven hours over three days before Election Committee member Samuel Yung Wing-kee, a veteran delegate of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), promised to nominate him as a candidate.
Yung did not reveal what they discussed, but mentioned why he decided to back Choi: “From our thorough communication, he is eager to pursue democracy. I hope to give young people a chance.”
