Pro-independence Hong Kong candidate pleads for more time to explain stance
Legco hopeful Edward Leung cites legal complexities in refusing to meet deadline to state if he will continue pushing his radical agenda
The election hopes of Hong Kong independence advocates hang in the balance as the best known figure in the camp on Saturday asked for more time to respond to government questions on his stance.
Edward Leung Tin-kei of Hong Kong Indigenous made the plea after the Electoral Affairs Commission gave him 24 hours to say whether he was “continuing” to push for independence.
As the deadline fell at 11am, Leung told the media: “I wrote in reply asking for more time due to the legal complexities. As it was a weekend, I could not reach my solicitor and barrister to discuss the requisite legal research.”
The Hong Kong government has been trying to stop pro-independence politicians from taking part in the Legislative Council elections in September. Candidates must sign a new declaration form pledging allegiance to three Basic Law articles that effectively make independence calls unconstitutional.
Leung has not signed this but he did sign the traditional form that Legco members would uphold the Basic Law.