Heung Yee Kuk, a statutory advisory body for New Territories residents, has confirmed its lineup of six candidates for the December Legislative Council General Election, according to sources.
With the nomination period opening this Friday (Oct 24), the political sector is expecting a competitive landscape across all 10 geographical constituencies.
According to Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, Heung Yee Kok has decided to field four men and two women following a Monday (Oct 20) meeting.
Among the candidates, Lau Kai-hong -- the chairman of the Hang Hau Rural Committee and the district councilor of Sai Kung -- is reportedly to challenge Heung Yee Kuk’s 59-year-old chairman Kenneth Lau Ip-keung for the body's functional constituency seat.
Sources also indicate that the Heung Yee Kuk is focusing on geographical constituencies, with Wong Chau-ping -- chairman of the Tung Chung Rural Committee and Islands district councilor, expected to run in the Hong Kong Island West constituency. The constituency is likely to see intense competition, with five to six candidates vying for two available seats.
Speculation is also growing around a potential contest between lawyer and Yuen Long district councilor Wilson Shum Ho-kit and Olympic fencing gold medalist Vivian Kong Man-wai in the New Territories North.
Vivian Kong Man-wai
Wilson Shum Ho-kit
Notably, Yuen Long district councilor Leung Ming-kin is expected to succeed his father, long-time rural village leader Leung Fuk-yuen, to run in the New Territories North West.
Leung Ming-kin
Additionally, Chan Yuet-ming, a lawmaker and chair of the Ta Kwu Ling District Rural Committee, is anticipated to seek re-election in the Election Committee constituency.
Chan Yuet-ming
With the government promoting the Northern Metropolis development, sources suggested that the rural body aims to achieve favorable results in the upcoming election to ensure that the voices of the indigenous residents of the New Territories are heard.
