Lesser-known candidates kept plugging away until the last minute despite their slim election prospects, with the poll attracting a large number of first-timers and independents from diverse backgrounds
Myra Siu Man-wa, a first-timer bidding for a Hong Kong Island seat, tried an innovative approach: giving out handkerchiefs to pedestrians. They were embossed with her election slogan: 'New hope for Hong Kong. Know people's hardships. Actualise people's yearnings.'
Ms Siu's policies included promoting alternative medicine.
Roy Tam Hoi-pong, a Kowloon West candidate and head of environmental advocacy group Green Sense, spent part of yesterday afternoon in a middle-class neighbourhood in Lai Chi Kok. Like others with low opinion poll rankings, he refused to be an also-ran and fought hard in an area with the most potential supporters.
James Lung Wai-man, chairman of the Southern Democratic Alliance, an ethnic minority concern group, canvassed neighbourhoods in Jordan, an area with many minority residents. 'Your dream to get out of poverty can come true,' Mr Lung shouted through loudspeakers attached to the car he used to tour the constituency. 'Give justice a chance.' He and running-mate Bantawa Sukra, an ethnic Nepali, said the seven-year wait for permanent residency migrants faced was too long, 'even in the most closed country'.
Lam Yi-lai, an independent candidate also vying for a seat in Kowloon West, said she was the most honest person. 'No matter whether they are left or right, I will tackle them if they do wrong,' she said as she gave out leaflets in Temple Street. Ms Lam said the salaries of legislative councillors should be cut, with the money saved given to charities.
