The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) will field 26 candidates in next month's Legislative Council election, with five of its incumbent lawmakers announcing they will not seek re-election.
The party unveiled its candidate list on Tuesday, confirming that New Territories North legislator Edward Lau Kwok-fan, Election Committee constituency lawmaker Lillian Kwok Ling-li, Hong Kong Island East legislator Edward Leung Hei, New Territories South East legislator Stanley Li Sai-wing, and import and export functional constituency legislator Kennedy Wong Ying-ho will step aside.
Two of the outgoing lawmakers took to social media to explain their decisions. Lau, who has been in politics for over 20 years, said he will switch tracks to participate directly in the Northern Metropolis project as a professional.
"After promoting the Northern Metropolis from proposal to implementation, I believe it is time to change paths," Lau said. Having qualified as a urban planner and chartered surveyor, he said he aims to contribute his professional expertise to the development's construction phase and continue fulfilling his commitment to Hong Kong's future.
He added that with the Northern Metropolis development now on track, it was an appropriate time to pass the baton to new faces.
Meanwhile, Kwok stated she had fulfilled most of her election promises and had no regrets about her term. "Although my name is not on the DAB's candidate list, I have a clear conscience and have done my best," Kwok said.
She described the transition between legislative terms as normal and urged the public to vote on December 7 for candidates who are capable and get things done.
