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SCMP Reporter

Major political parties and independents are vying for the 36 seats allocated to Hong Kong in the National People's Congress (NPC) next year.

 And at least two Democrats want to join them.

 Incumbents Cheng Yiu-tong and Peter Wong Man-kong are predicting a heated race.

 Mr Cheng expects more than 100 candidates, while Mr Wong said the number could well top 200.

 It will be the first time the selection has involved Hong Kong people in Hong Kong.

 In the past, Xinhua (the New China News Agency) played a dominant role in picking Hong Kong deputies.

 The deputies then joined about 3,000 representatives from mainland provinces, government bureaus and the Army in endorsing key national laws and vetting budget and work reports at the annual congress. They also visited the provinces as part of their duty to 'monitor' the authorities.

 The quota for Hong Kong stood at 28 for the eighth congress. It has been increased to 36 for the five-year term that starts in 1998.

 The race has attracted the interest of politicians and businessmen with stakes in the mainland. Many are seeking details of the electoral procedures and trying to secure initial support.

 At least two members of the Democratic Party have indicated they would seek seats.

 They are vice-chairman Dr Anthony Cheung Bing-leung and Albert Chan Wai-yip, both ousted legislators.

 But their participation hinges on a decision by the party leadership on whether to join the race, and the subsequent rules drawn for internal selection of candidates.

 From the pro-Beijing camp, the Liberal Party, Hong Kong Progressive Alliance (HKPA) and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB) are also eyeing seats.

 Among them are leading Liberals Allen Lee Peng-fei, Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee and Ronald Arculli.

 The HKPA's Ambrose Lau Hon-chuen, David Chu Yu-lin, Henry Wu King-cheong and Maria Tam Wai-chu are said to be interested.

 DAB chairman Tsang Yok-sing, a local deputy to the Chinese People's Political Consultation Conference, said the party had yet to decide on nominees.

 But the principle was that no provisional legislature members should seek NPC seats.

 Mr Tsang said the DAB did not want members' attention diverted to the NPC election because most were preparing for the first legislature election next May.



Heated race forecast for seats on top body