A member of the Citizens Party has decided not to run for election so he can look after his sick wife.
Leung Kwong-cheong, who planned to contest New Territories West, told the party of his decision at the weekend, said chairman Christine Loh Kung-wai.
'It is so sudden that we are still trying to study what to do,' she said. 'We need time to discuss whether we are still contesting any seat in New Territories West.' Chan Lap-shun, second to Mr Leung, said he was considering whether to stand alone. 'I have to consider whether I have enough manpower to assist me. Mr Leung has said his assistants would help me but I still have to liaise with them to confirm that,' he said.
Other party members running for election include Ms Loh, on Hong Kong Island, Mozart Lui Yat-ming in New Territories East and Chan Tim-shing in the Wholesale and Retail functional constituency.
Academic Choy Chi-keung of City University said he thought Mr Leung had withdrawn as he might not gain enough votes to secure his deposit.
Recent polls had shown Mr Leung might win just one to two per cent support, he said.
