The Democratic Party has launched a fast-track programme for second-tier party veterans.
But following claims by members during November's Legislative Council election that the likelihood of them reaching the very top was poor, only nine Democrats signed up for the programme.
Party chairman Lee Wing-tat said the initiative was designed to provide rising stars with better opportunities to prove themselves in district services and policy areas.
'If they are considered mature and excel in services, monitoring government policies and show good leadership skills as good as Legco members, then there is nothing to stop the party from nominating them to run for Legco next time,' Mr Lee said.
The programme is a measure to pacify disgruntled party veterans who waited in vain for years to run for Legco seats, partly because of long-serving legislators.
Mr Lee said the low sign-up rate was 'unexpected', but denied his subordinates lacked commitment.
