THE Liberal Party has recorded the highest number of changes in its line-up of candidates. Nine of the 86 candidates announced in the July 28 swearing-in ceremony did not show up, while eight changed their constituencies. Two decided not to run under the party's banner. Fifteen members were added to the list. Ten registered only yesterday. Party executive committee member Ada Wong Ying-kei admitted three of the 90 candidates had been members for less than two weeks. ''Each party practises different strategies,'' she said, saying the two-week nomination period was meant to allow candidates to choose the ''most comfortable'' constituency and gauge their chances of success. Among those who decided to withdraw, Miss Wong said three did so because they were worried they could not meet the 10-year residency requirement. One of the eight candidates who changed constituencies also changed districts. Lau Man-pong will stand in Healthy Village, Eastern District instead of Jardine's Lookout, Wan Chai. Candidates from other parties also made changes on where to stand. A member of the Hong Kong Progressive Alliance, Tang Ka-fat, chose to compete against five candidates in Tsim Sha Tsui East, the most hotly contested seat, instead of running in Yau Yat Tsuen, Shamshuipo. On the other hand, 123 Democratic Alliance member Tai Sik-kwan will run in Tuen Mun's Siu Shan instead of Tsim Sha Tsui West. Alliance vice-chairman Ng Wai-cho denied this was due to tougher competition in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Hong Kong Democratic Foundation also saw significant changes to its line-up. Only four members stood under its banner, instead of the original eight. Other parties experienced minor changes. Four members of the Liberal Democratic Federation decided not to run while one joined. Candidates under the United Democrats/Meeting Point banner swelled from 123 to 132.
