Major political groups are trying to expand their spheres of influence into politically virginal zones of Southern District, which has long been controlled by veteran district leaders or independent figures representing resident groups.
Of the 37 candidates running in this geographically large district where middle-class and grass-roots voters are scattered across different constituencies, only 13 have declared political affiliation.
But the Democratic Party, the Civic Party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the Liberal Party and the Savantas Policy Institute - headed by former security chief and now by-election candidate Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee - all seek new seats.
In what is considered an indicator of the upcoming showdown between Mrs Ip and Anson Chan Fang On-sang in the Legislative Council Hong Kong Island by-election two weeks after the district polls, Mrs Ip's protege Ronald Chan Ngok-pang, 25, will take on former Democrat Kenith Poon Kin-ming, 36, in the Pok Fu Lam ward.
Mr Poon, who is in the management of an international technology company and has been active in Southern District as head of community group New Southern Minds, said his battle for the seat would provide an opportunity for the public to cast a vote of no-confidence against Mrs Ip.
'This battle will be a prelude to the Legco by-election contest,' Mr Poon said. 'Since most middle-class people living in the constituency are supporters of democracy, I hope they will vote for me rather than Regina Ip's staff.'