Lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan was elected chairman of the Democratic Party yesterday, easily overcoming a challenge by a reformist faction in the party.
He immediately stressed the need for solidarity and unity in the party, which has suffered from factional disputes in recent years.
Mr Ho defeated Chan King-ming, widely considered the leader of the 'reformist camp', by 204 votes to 81. His running mates, Sin Chung-kai and Tik Chi-yuen, became vice-chairmen with 180 and 170 votes respectively.
Professor Chan's running mate, Kwong Kwok-chuen, got 48 votes and independent candidates Andrew Fung Wai-kwong and Ho Suk-ping received 79 and 73 votes.
Undercurrents of discord still persist, however, despite members of the reformist faction saying they accepted the results.
In both the Central Committee and Disciplinary Committee elections, all but one 'mainstream' member recommended by outgoing chairman Lee Wing-tat and party patriarch Szeto Wah were elected. All reformist members were defeated.
Mr Ho said the party's most important work was the forthcoming District Council and Legislative Council elections, and ensuring solidarity and unity within the party. He said it would continue to work closely with the Civic Party.