Two potential candidates made surprise decisions not to stand in September's Legislative Council election just before the nomination period closed yesterday.
Private doctor Poon Tak-lun withdrew from the contest for the medical functional constituency after signing up on Monday, while former People Power activist Edward Yum Liang-hsien decided at the last minute not to submit his nomination to run in Kowloon West.
Poon said his withdrawal was for technical reasons, as he currently holds British residency and could not give it up in time to enter the race. He apologised for his negligence, and insisted he had not been put under any pressure to back out.
This was not the case for Yum, who said he decided not to stand because of strong opposition and pressure from his former political allies.
Yum was accused of being 'ungrateful' and attempting to take revenge on his mentor - radical stalwart Wong Yuk-man, the founding chairman of People Power - after announcing his intention to run as an independent in Kowloon West.
His potential candidacy was seen as a threat to Wong because Yum, who quit the party in June, could have split the vote of supporters.