Two-front battle: traditional pan-democrats face off against pro-establisment camp and radicals

Traditional pan-democratic parties are set to face a two-front war in the Legislative Council election in September, as newly-formed pro-democracy groups and radicals form alliances to contest seats, while the Beijing-loyalist camp also seeks to maintain its influence in the legislature.

Currently, the pan-democratic camp occupies 27 seats in Legco, while the pro-establishment camp controls the remaining 43. The Democratic Party and Civic Party, with six lawmakers each, are the most influential groups in the pan-democrat bloc.

The Democrats confirmed on Sunday that they would seek to win at least eight seats in September, including one for the wholesale and retail sector, a seat in each of the five geographical constituencies and two of the five “super seats” to be elected by more than three million voters citywide.

Three Democrat lawmakers – Helena Wong Pik-wan, Wu Chi-wai and James To Kun-sun – will seek re-election, while Roy Kwong Chun-yu, Ted Hui Chi-fung and Lam Cheuk-ting will contest seats vacated by outgoing Democrats. Andrew Wan Siu-kin will run in New Territories West to reclaim a seat the party lost four years ago.

But all of them will be facing fierce competition. Apart from Kwong, the contestants for “super seats” include pan-democrat lawmaker Leung Yiu-chung, who has represented New Territories West since 1998.