Second-tier party members who hope to participate in the forthcoming election welcomed the new strategy. They see it as a golden opportunity to prepare for future Legco elections.

Speaking after the party's central committee meeting on Thursday, veteran member Lee Wing-tat said many members agreed with the strategy of introducing new faces in the coming election.

However, a party introducing two tickets vying for one seat may result in splitting the vote and reducing the number of seats won.

Mr Lee did not rule out such a possibility, particularly in Kowloon East and Kowloon West, which were identified as hotly contested districts.

'But unless it can be proved with scientific figures that by bringing two tickets [into one constituency] might cost the party all the seats, we should keep trying [to introduce the second tier-led ticket],' he said.

The second-tier ticket plan was in response to a call for making way for new blood, Mr Lee said.

It would also pave the way for young members to rise in the party's ranks.

Andrew Fung Wai-kwong, a second-tier member and elected councillor for the Southern District Council, welcomed the plan and said voters also wished to see new faces from the party.