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Multiple names 'will confuse'

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A proposal to allow election candidates to use more than one name on ballot papers will cause confusion, legislators have warned.

The district councils election law says that on ballot papers candidates can use the names they are widely known by, as well as the names on their identity cards.

'For example, the name [legislator Andrew Wong Wang-fat] uses on his ID card is Wong Wang-fat but he is only known as Andrew Wong in some sectors. The proposal will help him to be recognised by some voters,' Principal Assistant Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Bassanio So Chek-leung said.

But Lau Kong-wah, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, said the proposal - for the district council elections in November - would be a big change.

'There will be a lot of possibilities. It will be chaotic if candidates can add nicknames, aliases or names used in show-business,' he said.

Mr Wong could use the name 'Fat Shuk' (Uncle Fat), while Democratic Party district board member Tsang Kin-shing could call himself 'Ah Ngau' (the bull). Mr So said more discussion was needed on whether to amend the proposal.

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