Taxpayers to foot bill for poll row

The Government has agreed to pay at least $90,000 for legal costs arising from an election petition launched by a provisional regional councillor.

It will pay the costs of Ann Chiang Lai-wan and contribute $90,000 to the costs of former legislator and Hong Kong Progressive Alliance member Dr Tang Siu-tong.

Last month, a Court of First Instance judge ruled that Dr Tang was unduly returned in May's Regional Council functional poll. A by-election for the 50-member electorate will be held on October 29. It will be a race between Ms Chiang, Dr Tang and DAB member Ngan Kam-chuen.

ANGELA LI