Which path for sorely divided Democrats?

After veteran Democrat Lee Wing-tat left for the UK, the city's largest association of educators, the Professional Teachers' Union, doubled the shock by saying it is disbanding.

The incidents were more than a coincidence.

If Lee's "runaway" - as branded by one of his critics in the Democratic Party - was due to fears over personal safety, the collective decision by the PTU to dissolve the 48-year-old organization would have to be because of similar fears.

Everyone knows the Democrats are divided over whether to contend the Legislative Council election later this year, and Lee was never ambiguous about his opposition to taking part.

No Democrats have come out to say they knew about Lee's decision in advance. If some did, they have chosen to remain silent.

Since Beijing and the SAR amended the laws to make sure only patriots can run and the pro-democracy "opposition" can, at most, win only nominal representation in Legco, attention has been focused on the Democrats.

Will the party take the lead to field candidates to set an example for others? That's the question being asked most often.

Beijing academic Tian Feilong has reportedly shared his opinion that the Democratic Party may play a role in the new electoral system shaped by the new laws.

This, of course, is based on the understanding that the party must transform itself if it is to meet the elevated patriotic threshold.

The Democrats are badly split on the issue.

Along with ex-lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing, Lee was reported to be strongly opposed to giving credit to the new electoral system through participation.

Arguing that participation would amount to no more than a decoration of value to the regime, Lee was said to have also insisted that colleagues continue to cultivate grassroot support. Giving no warning, Lee left to join tens of thousands of Hongkongers already in Britain.

Needless to say, this surprised his colleagues. Not only will his departure divide the Democrats further, it will also fuel what is already a heated debate in the party over the Legco election in December.

While PTU's decision to disband itself may be as unexpected as Lee's leaving, it is most unlikely the Democrats will follow suit as they need to keep the political vehicle.

Also, some members have been clear they want to play along, no matter how the political landscape has changed.

Party central committee member and Eastern District Council member So Yat-hang was quick to take aim at Lee, ridiculing him for running away from Hong Kong after calling on his colleagues to keep fighting.

So's ridicule was shared among social media by several Democrats and former chief executive Leung Chun-ying.

Lee, a seasoned political figure, must know that political games are always pragmatic.

After party leaders popular in recent elections were jailed, opportunities opened up for others lower on the ladder.

If the party does not contend future elections, the political life of So and others will come to an end.

Will Lee's departure affect the party debate? Let's continue to monitor.