Moderate Hong Kong political groups seek closer co-operation in Legco elections
Third Side hopes to maximise its chances by working with Path of Democracy, which suffered a blow when one of its three prospective candidates pulled out
Two middle-of-the-road political groups – Third Side and Path of Democracy – are seeking closer co-operation ahead of the Legislative Council elections in September.
The move coincides with the abrupt decision by Path of Democracy prospective candidate Joseph Lau Pui-wing to drop out of the race for “personal reasons”.
The think tank, founded by former Civic Party lawmaker Ronny Tong Ka-wah, had planned to field Lau in the New Territories East constituency.
Tik Chi-yuen, chairman of Third Side political party, said: “We hope to co-ordinate better. At least, we seek to work out a gentlemen’s agreement, say, if there are candidates from our two groups contesting seats in the same constituency, they will not attack in their election campaigns.
“By co-operating we may get more seats and expand the influence of the middle-of-the-road political spectrum in society.”