In the third of our series highlighting major battlegrounds in district council elections next month, Ambrose Leung looks at Eastern district
Internal rivalry, grabs for vacant seats and newcomers challenging established members pose undercurrents that could change the political landscape in Eastern district, despite it being a traditional stronghold for pro-government groups.
While the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has 10 incumbents in the district, all are being challenged by the pan-democratic camp or others.
But the battle drawing attention is not one between pan-democrats and Beijing loyalists - it is what many consider to be a split in the Fujian community, with DAB legislator Choy So-yuk defending her seat in the Kam Ping ward against Fujian elder Charles Chiang Yu-tui.
Ms Choy, who almost lost her seat to 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung in the 2003 district council election when angry voters tried to remove pro-government figures from office, said this time she was in less danger of losing her seat.
'Who says the Fujian community is splitting? Are we splitting only because some people claim to be supported by our clan and have challenged me? I will stand firm and I don't care what is coming at me. People have to do real work to earn their seats,' she said.