Non-affiliated Lam Hoi-sing is confident of securing a Legco seat in Kowloon East, although he can only afford to spend a fraction of the money allowed for expenses.
Mr Lam, a voluntary worker for the disabled, plans to spend only $50,000 to win votes from the 550,000 constituents. The upper limit of election expenses is $1.5 million.
The lack of funds has created difficulties for him. 'Most of my time has to be spent preparing my publicity material as I cannot pay others to do it.'
Unlike the colourful posters, which can cost up to $300 each, and pamphlets published by his rivals, the non-affiliated candidate can only afford modest A-4 leaflets. The Government provides one free circular.
Radical activist Leung Kwok-hung, of the April 5th Action Group, has adopted a strategy of seeking donations while campaigning. His pamphlets carry pleas for voters to donate or join him as voluntary workers.
Although he has managed to raise about $300,000, Mr Leung said the amount was barely enough for the printing of posters and pamphlets for the 670,000-strong electorate in New Territories East. The lack of resources, he said, would undermine his chances. He claimed the existing election regulations worked against candidates with no political affiliation.
