When 'independent' really means 'pro-establishment': Hong Kong district council candidates hide their true colours

Almost half of the self-proclaimed "independents" in the district council elections are linked to pro-establishment groups, the Post has found.

Although the candidates claim those groups are not political bodies, the groups have taken a clear stance on political issues, including taking part in anti-Occupy campaigns and expressing support for the government's political reform package.

A scholar says affiliation with such long-established groups should not be ignored by candidates given their record of mobilising support for pro-Beijing candidates, but with no law to regulate political parties, there is nothing the authorities can do about such omissions.

The Post's check covered 117 candidates who declared themselves to be "independent" or "non-affiliated" in their nomination forms. It did not cover 280 candidates who left a blank in the political affiliation column.

Of the 117 candidates, 51 are in one way or another linked to pro-establishment groups. They may hold office, serve as advisers, or are included in a "recommended candidates list" for members.

Marco Ma Yat-chiu is one of the eight "independents" who failed to declare his ties with the Kowloon Federation of Associations, which has the likes of Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Elsie Leung Oi-sie as an honorary president. He is an executive member in charge of recreational affairs.