Sin Chung-kai joins Martin Lee and Yeung Sum in stepping down
Democratic Party vice-chairman Sin Chung-kai has decided not to stand in the Legislative Council election in September.
Mr Sin announced that he would support second-tier hopeful Kam Nai-wai to lead the party ticket on Hong Kong Island after month-long internal opposition to his plan to switch from the information technology seat to Kowloon West and, later, Hong Kong Island.
Mr Sin is the third veteran Democrat to step down after Martin Lee Chu-ming and Yeung Sum, raising concerns over the party's future.
The decision also called into question whether Mr Kam, a lesser-known district councillor, could defeat heavyweights from rival and allied camps to preserve at least a single seat for the party on Hong Kong Island. It currently has two.
Analysts say the Democratic Party only has sufficient votes to win one seat on the Island as leading figures such as former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang and the Civic Party's Audrey Eu Yuet-mee and Tanya Chan Shuk-chong would dilute support.
The rival camp is also facing tough competition, with former security chief Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee vying with Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong lawmakers Tsang Yok-sing and Choy So-yuk for the six seats up for grabs.
