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Ambrose Leung

But a deal with an appointed candidate angers the leadership

Members of the pro-democracy camp have won the chairmanships of four district councils, with pro-government members taking the top jobs on 13.

Previously, the Democratic Party had control of only one council. But the success of the democrats has come amid concern that their influence in the four councils may have been diluted by government-appointed members.

Elections were held yesterday to choose the chairmen of 13 of the 18 district councils, with the last one, Yau Tsim Mong, due to hold its poll next week. Five districts held elections earlier.

Independent Ada Wong Ying-kay,  who is considered a liberal, was elected chairwoman of Wan Chai District Council, where democrat John Tse Wing-ling  became vice-chairman.

Democrat Kam Nai-wai  was elected chairman of the Central and Western District Council, where incumbent chairman Wu Chor-nan - an appointed candidate - became vice-chairman, reportedly after the two, with supporters' backing, pledged to support each other's candidacy.

But the arrangement has apparently infuriated the democrat's leadership, which has banned party members from supporting appointed candidates in the election. Last night party chairman Yeung Sum  vowed to mount an investigation.

Democrat Chow Yick-hay  successfully defended his chairmanship in Kwai Tsing District Council, with unionist Leung Wing-kuen  vice-chairman.

Tam Kwok-kiu  and Leung Lai of the Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood had earlier been elected chairman and vice-chairman the Shamshuipo District Council.

Li Pang-kwong,  a political scientist at Lingnan University,  said having four district councils headed by pro-democracy politicians would increase the councils' balancing role against the government.

'At least from now on, the government cannot say all district councils are supportive when they are consulted on controversial policies,' he said.

But he added the true strength of the pro-democracy camp was not reflected in the result of chairmanship contests because of the appointment system.

Hopes that the pro-democracy camp would control more district councils were high after its landslide victory in the November polls.



Democrats head four councils