Anson Chan Fang On-sang yesterday reached agreement with the pan-democrats over her participation in a selection mechanism to finalise her candidacy for the Legislative Council by-election.
Mrs Chan will take part in a debate that will be open to the public.
Responding to the announcement of her candidacy, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said last night the government welcomed any eligible person running in the election who had the sincerity to serve members of the public.
Mr Tsang, who returned to Hong Kong after a visit to Australia and New Zealand, said the administration's duty was to ensure the election, scheduled for December 2, was conducted in a fair and open manner.
Mrs Chan said she had enjoyed the second day of her maiden campaign in a direct election, but her hectic schedule and lengthy meetings had been disrupting her sleep.
Speaking after her first formal meeting with 13 pan-democrat politicians and academics over the details of a mechanism which would formally endorse her candidacy, the former chief secretary said she was satisfied with the selection process.
'We all agreed that the guiding principle which must be observed was that all the arrangements and procedures must be fair and open and transparent. I am happy with the arrangement and I will be participating in the discussion or debate on the scheduled date,' she said.