Choy So-yuk's rivals voiced concern she had been able to land a seat despite the Gary Cheng scandal, with voters casting ballots regardless of doubts about integrity. Ms Choy, gaining the fifth seat in the constituency, after Mr Cheng who led the party ticket, was returned to the legislature after the DAB clinched 27.85 per cent of the vote, only a small drop from the 29.11 per cent gained in 1998.
Under the list voting system, a Hong Kong Island seat is guaranteed if a list of candidates gains at least 20 per cent of votes. Remaining seats go to those securing the largest number of votes. The first four seats were claimed, in descending order, by Democratic Party leader Martin Lee Chu-ming, Mr Cheng, Democrat vice-chairman Dr Yeung Sum and The Frontier's Cyd Ho Sau-lan.
Ms Choy said the outcome was due to voters' recognition of the DAB's work, support from community groups and the fact that the public preferred a stable force to be elected. As she thanked her campaign team after the result was announced, protesters chanted slogans calling for the resignation of Mr Cheng.
Democratic Party chief Martin Lee said the party had failed to win three seats in the constituency, as forecast in some opinion polls, as DAB supporters had voted in force. In contrast, many Democrat supporters had not voted, even though the party had more people backing it.
Ms Ho said she was unhappy with support shown to the DAB by voters who appeared to have ignored the scandal in which Mr Cheng admitted failing to disclose business links and passing a confidential government document to a business contact. 'They are not only giving a green light to Mr Cheng but also to the other 59 members allowing them to abuse their public office for personal gain,' she said.
Defeated non-affiliated candidate Tsang Kin-shing said his campaign had been hit by smear tactics. 'There have been too many smear reports in the constituency. Voters do not know how to vote.'
