Advertisement

Activists in election wrangle

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
0

TWO activists involved in China's pro-democracy movement plan to run for next month's district board polls despite uncertainty over their eligibility.

Lau Shan-ching, who spent 10 years in jail for ''counter-revolutionary'' activities, will be joined by Yiu Yung-chin, a former student leader, in campaigning for the district board seats.

But their involvement in China's fight for democracy has cast doubt on whether they are eligible candidates.

Mr Lau, 41, could be challenged for not having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for the 10 years immediately preceding the date of his nomination, as is required under the Electoral Provisions Ordinance.

He was sentenced in 1981 for ''counter-revolutionary'' activities following a Guangzhou trip to pay visits to participants of the 1979 Democracy Wall movement. Mr Lau was released in December 1991.

Despite repeated requests for clarification from the Constitutional Affairs Branch, Mr Lau was told it would be up to the returning officer to confirm his eligibility.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2-3x faster
1.1x
220 WPM
Slow
Normal
Fast
1.1x