Leading pro-establishment party in Hong Kong sets sights on pan-democrat seats in local polls

Hong Kong’s leading pro-establishment political party is hoping to ride what it sees as a tide of social sentiment against the pan-democrats’ “non-co-operation” campaign to squeeze its rivals out of the district councils in next month’s elections.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong is appealing to those who oppose the Occupy movement and pan-democrat filibustering to come out to vote for its candidates in the local elections.

Chairwoman Starry Lee Wai-king launched a thinly veiled attack on pan-democrats when she presented the party’s election plans yesterday, saying: “We are pragmatic and we hope to see Hong Kong progress. We are against Occupy Central and we are against filibustering. I appeal to all those who do not want to see more occupation or filibustering to come out to vote. Let your voices be heard, and let us serve you.”

The pan-democratic camp was a key player in last year’s Occupy protests. Some lawmakers have also been resorting to a “non-cooperation” campaign to block government policies in the legislature.

Lee said her party would field 170 candidates in the November 22 elections. Of them, 111 are serving members.