HONG KONG citizens aged between 18 and 21 years had the chance to vote for the first time yesterday, as part of Governor Chris Patten's controversial democracy reforms.
Among the many who took advantage of their new right were Michael Choi, 19, and his 20-year-old brother John.
Michael, a Sixth Form student, said after coming out of a Wan Chai polling station: 'I voted for legislator Peggy Lam because my parents told me to do so and I don't know the others well.' John, a clerk, said he had also followed his relatives' advice to vote for Mrs Lam.
Seventh Form student Calvin Ng, 18, said he voted because he wanted to fulfil his right as a citizen.
Mr Ng, who is also a canvassing team member for a Democratic Party candidate, said he had made his choice after studying the candidates' past serving record and platforms.
'If everyone voted according to a rash decision without knowing the candidates the election system would collapse,' he said.