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Elsie Tu
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Distorted labelling

Elsie Tu

THE election tussle between political heavyweight Szeto Wah and veteran community leader Elsie Tu ended with a surprise victory for the democrats and served to put the Municipal Council elections into their proper perspective.

What makes an incumbent Urban Councillor with some 30 years of community service experience behind her lose the battle? The Kwun Tong district was turned into a political cockpit right from the start. Branded with the hyperbole 'war of the century', the election campaigns there featured aggressive strategies adopted by belligerent political activists. Mud-slinging tactics, baleful personal attacks and distorted labelling of the opponent were all taken aboard. It was reported in the press that Kwun Tong residents received midnight phone calls alleged to come from Mrs Tu's supporters.

On the other hand, Mrs Tu campaigned on her long standing reputation as a forerunner of democracy and a champion for justice. Her only election weapon was her solid track record at the Urban Council. She did not launch any recrimination against her rival.

Such campaigning strategies, however, did not appeal to the voters who tend to ignore the performance records of the candidates.

So Mrs Tu lost. She lost the duel because she did not follow the rules of the election game. This is the reality of politics. This is exactly why the silent majority, fed up with the fanfare of the political parties, stayed away from the elections.

C. WONG Mid-Levels

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