Track record will be key in Hong Kong's district council polls

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DC candidate Judy Chan Ka-pui of South Horizons Constituency for DC election series at Marina Square West Centre, Ap Lei Chau. Photo: Bruce Yan

Published: 8:26pm, 16 Nov 2015Updated: 8:26pm, 16 Nov 2015

The district council election is known to have a relatively low threshold for nomination. Anyone can come forward as long as he or she has met the basic statutory requirement and secured support from 10 voters in the constituency.

As in the past, the contest has attracted hopefuls from all walks of life - politicians, social activists and businessmen, many of whom have good education and long experience in serving the community.

Adding to the diversity this year are three women who have participated in competitions of a different nature. They have either won or reached the finals of high-profile beauty pageants and are now trying their hand at politics.

(Second row, From L to R) Albert Lai Kwong-tak, Lawmaker Cyd Ho Sau-lan, District Council Election candidates of Tai Fat Hau Constituencies Leung Pak-kin, District Council Election candidates of Stubbs Road Constituencies Au Lai-chong, Former Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang, Tanya Chan Suk-chong and Benny Tai Yiu-ting, attend Meet-the-Community Session in Wan Chai. Photo: Sam Tsang

Although their background as beauty queens is not featured prominently in their campaigns, they have become a talking point, which helps raise public awareness of the ballot scheduled for Sunday.

Some political parties are also putting emphasis on candidates who are young and well-educated. For instance, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong is fielding 171 aspirants, 109 of whom have attained university degrees. More than 20 per cent are newcomers.