OpinionHong Kong’s government also wants district council elections that are fair, peaceful and productive

Despite rumours, officials want the elections to go ahead – even if it means big losses for pro-government candidates – not least because postponing them would be a PR disaster

But protesters must stand down to ensure everyone feels safe to vote

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Electoral Affairs Commission chairman and High Court judge Barnabas Fung Wah demonstrates the voting procedure at a mock polling station at Leighton Hill Community Hall, in Happy Valley, on Tuesday. Photo: May Tse

Published: 10:00pm, 21 Nov 2019Updated: 2:44am, 22 Nov 2019

This Sunday – if everything goes to plan – Hong Kong will hold district council elections. If you are a registered voter, you should already have received your voter’s card and the details about your candidates and polling station.

There have been many rumours that the government is thinking of postponing or even cancelling the elections. This speculation is based on the assumption that the administration would prefer to avoid the possibility of a large turnout and a large vote against pro-government candidates.

In an atmosphere of distrust, maybe we should not be surprised that people might believe such a theory. But, in fact, officials very much want the polls to go ahead.

Cancelling these elections would involve legal issues. It would also complicate next year’s Legislative Council election, in which five seats are elected by district council members. It could also have repercussions for the chief executive election.

Joshua Wong Chi-fung, secretary general of the pro-democracy Demosisto party, is the only candidate so far to be disqualified from the district council elections. Photo: Winson Wong

But, most of all, disrupting the process would create a huge public relations problem for the government. Put bluntly, it would look terrible. It would send a message that the administration is afraid of public opinion – and the backlash would only make things worse. If anything, it would be a boost for the most radical protesters.