Hong Kong district council elections: pro-democracy ex-policewoman and funeral instructor among poll first-timers
- In the second instalment of a four-part series, the Post meets pro-democracy debut candidates for November’s district council elections
- Though running in different areas with varying priorities, all share anger at violence against protesters
A former police officer, the founder of a travel tips website and a funeral industry player are among those inspired by Hong Kong’s ongoing anti-government protests to enter politics for the first time in next month’s district council elections.
The city’s pro-democracy camp is expected to field candidates in almost all 452 seats for the November 24 polls, an increase on the fewer than 400 it produced to challenge pro-government candidates in past elections.
Apart from aspiring politicians from established political parties, this year’s polls have also attracted fresh faces, including many first-time candidates.
The Post spoke to four hopefuls to find out why they are in the race.
Cathy Yau Man-shan, 36, Causeway Bay constituency, Wan Chai district
Some may accuse Yau, a former police officer, of being a defector at a key moment in Hong Kong’s history.
Weeks after the protests against the government’s failed extradition bill erupted in June, she resigned from the force.