District polls drive banks on night vibes

Booths will be set up at Night Vibes Hong Kong markets to promote the forthcoming district council elections to be held on December 10, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said, as nomination form submissions begin today.

Speaking in the Legislative Council's constitutional affairs panel, Tsang said there will be "new ways" to promote the polls.

"We will go deep into the community to organize over 100 events to directly engage with the people and promote benefits prompted by the elections in a relaxed atmosphere, or even using family games," he said.

"The government will also crossover with 'Night Vibes Hong Kong' and set up booths at the night bazaars to make direct contact with the public."

Tsang also said promotional campaigns had been launched earlier than usual to boost a turnout rate that is expected to be low.

"We started the campaign in September with promotional banners and flags flying across the city and we have also published advertisements not only on traditional media but also on social media," he said.

The government will also roll out new promotional videos today, with principal officials such as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu calling on people to vote and stand in the elections, according to Tsang.

"We will then gradually step up the intensity and roll out different promotional campaigns in phases to boost the atmosphere," Tsang added.

He also brushed off speculations that the government had already decided to stop the Democratic Party from fielding all six of its nominees with the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee.

"The committee has yet to hold a meeting till now, so it is too early to say which party or which candidate are not eligible for the elections," Tsang said.

"We have not instructed who to grant eligibility to and who not to, but the committee will meet as soon as the nomination period ends to review and confirm the eligibility of candidates."

Earlier in the day, Lee urged people who are talented, committed to serving the community and also love the country and Hong Kong to try their best to get nominated for the polls.

The nomination period will end on October 30.

"This is a very meaningful election as it is the first after perfecting the government's district administration and revamping the district council system," Lee said.

"My administration and I will put our best foot forward to completing all of the preparatory work to ensure the elections are held in a fair, impartial and honest manner, and completed safely, orderly and efficiently," he added.

Lee also urged electors to cast their ballot on December 10 and elect a new term for district councilors that are talented, committed to serve the community and reflect the community's views.

Meanwhile, non-pro-establishment parties hoped for a higher turnout for a better chance to win a seat in the District Council.

Centrist party Third Side vice chairman Casper Wong Chun-long said the biggest worry would be a low turnout: "If we are hoping to get our members elected, we need a high turnout rate. The 2021 Legco election saw a turnout rate of around 30 percent, I think the atmosphere has changed after two years."