New Hong Kong pro-democracy party hints by-election challenge awaits declared pan-democrat candidate Alvin Yeung
Co-founded by former lawmaker Nelson Wong, Third Side ‘strongly inclined’ to run
A new middle-of-the-road political party has dropped its strongest hint yet that it will take part in the legislature’s by-election next February.
The announcement from the Third Side, co-founded by former Democratic Party member Tik Chi-yuen, came 10 days after Civic Party member Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu announced his candidacy.
“We are strongly inclined to run in the New Territories East by-election, and [at least two] members are interested,” Tik said. “One is a new face and the other is experienced.”
READ MORE: Former activist Alvin Yeung to run in Legislative Council by-election
The February 28 by-election was triggered by the resignation of Yeung’s mentor, Ronny Tong Ka-wah, in the wake of the summer’s failed political reform package. Although the winner would only serve in the Legislative Council until July next year, political parties deemed the battle a bellwether of the Legco poll in September.
Some of Yeung’s supporters had suggested that other pro-democracy groups should help Yeung by not running in the by-election. But Tik, convenor of Third Side’s preparatory committee, dismissed the idea.
“It’s an insult if people suggest that in order to criticise or stop us,” Tik said. “A political party must not back down or hesitate in face of criticisms either.” He suggested that his group’s participation would give voters more choices.
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Speaking to Cable TV, Yeung said he was not surprised that Tik’s group was interested in the election.