The first session of the Legislative Council election forums kicked off on Tuesday morning, with Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai emphasizing the enthusiastic turnout and lively campaigning atmosphere.
Under the theme “Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance,” a total of 39 forums will be held, covering the Election Committee constituency, 10 geographical constituencies, and 28 functional constituencies.
The opening forum took place at Tsuen Wan Town Hall, featuring candidates from the New Territories South West geographical constituency.
Tsang described the proceedings as smooth and the atmosphere as vibrant. He expressed hope that residents would gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s platform through the forums and make more informed choices when casting their votes.
Regarding ticket distribution, Tsang explained that admission had been randomly arranged for local residents, while all citizens could also watch the sessions via live broadcast.
Each candidate is allowed to bring up to 50 supporters to the venue. Tsang said he was confident order would be maintained, as participants had been briefed on the forum procedures.
Candidates in the New Territories South West constituency include incumbent lawmaker Joephy Chan Wing-yan from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions; Jody Kwok Fu-yung and Lo Yuen-ting from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; Mok Yee-ki from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong; and Marcella Cheung Man-ka from the New People’s Party.
The forum format features self-introductions by candidates, campaign team presentations, a question-and-answer session, and a debate on a selected topic.
