Democratic Party to lead seven districts

The Democratic Party is expected to chair seven district councils as the new term starts, while a newcomer could become the chairman in the North district.

There have been behind-the-scenes negotiations among pan-democratic district council members over who will chair the 18 district councils, as meetings will be held next week to elect people for the positions.

The Democratic Party has the most seats and thus a greater chance of gaining more chairmanships, including Southern district councilor Lo Kin-hei and Kwai Tsing district councilor Sin Chung-kai.

But in the North district, Jasper Law Ting-tak, a councilor with no prior political experience, may get the top job.

It was earlier expected that Chan Wai-tat of the Neo-Democrats would chair the North district council. However, seven newcomers did not support Chan as another candidate from his party, Wong Leung-hi, competed with political newcomer Hendrick Lui Chi-hang in Shing Fuk constituency. Pro-establishment candidate Warwick Wan Wo-tat won the seat.

They now support Law for the chairmanship.

Law told Sing Tao Daily, The Standard's sister newspaper, that his alliance has reached a consensus and the North district council will elect the chairman on Tuesday.

In Wan Chai district, Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, who has been a District Councilor for four years, could be elected as the chairman as she is considered an experienced member in the council.

Speaking yesterday, Yeung said she would like to see the public be involved in future Ddstrict council meetings, which will look into matters like allegations of police brutality.

"After the chairman has been elected, we will start to invite all the representatives to the district council to discuss [the issue] and we will hold a public meeting," she said.

Meanwhile, at least 16 district councilors were arrested before their election, creating uncertainties for their careers.

According to the District Councils Ordinance, a District Council member will be disqualified if he or she has been sentenced to imprisonment, whether suspended or not, for a term exceeding three months without the option of a fine.