Four NPC deputies lose out as electors choose new delegates

Hong Kong's National People's Congress delegation has a new and younger look after elections in which a quarter of the 36 incumbents were replaced. While five stood down, four were defeated.

All of those elected fall into the pro-Beijing camp, but more professionals and more legislators will take their seats for the 10th NPC congress in March than five years ago.

Election officials declared the poll fair, impartial and open, but some candidates complained of lists of 'recommended' candidates being circulated to influence voters. Some saw this as being responsible for the surprise defeat of several hopefuls who did well in the first round of voting.

The most popular candidate was Legco president Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, who secured the support of 859 of the 896 delegates with valid votes. Among the nine newcomers, Beijing Liaison Office Assistant Director Wang Rudeng scored highest.

Five of the newcomers were legislators - taking their representation on the NPC to eight. A union leader and a district councillor also won election.

Tsang Hin-chi, who was re-elected and is a member of the NPC Standing Committee, said: 'The deputies elected represent all sectors of society, and the senior, middle-aged and younger generations. They all love the country and Hong Kong.'