8 Democratic Party members set to run for DC polls
The Democratic Party announced on Wednesday that it will field eight candidates in the upcoming District Council elections, but said the party does not have access to the contact details of the people who have the authority to nominate them. The district council reform package, passed in July stated that an election hopeful needs the backing of members of the city's Area, Fire Safety and Fight Crime committees. Lo Kin-hei, the party's chairperson, told reporters that the names of the people who sit on these three government-appointed committees are publicly listed, but not their contact information. “Actually, this is information that should be provided in an election. So we think that if the Home Affairs Department can, it should actually make that information public. But if not, we hope that they can provide a list for those wanting to run in the elections,” Lo said. “If not, we may only be able to use some primitive methods, such as writing a letter to the Home Affairs Department, asking them to distribute it to the members from the three committees.” The party did not disclose the names of the potential candidates, but Lo said the eight consist of current and former district councilors, adding the final number may change. When asked about the chances of his party’s candidates being able to enter the race, Lo said it is unpredictable.  Lo noted the party has always believed that it meets the requirements of being loyal to the SAR and upholding the Basic Law, but it has no control over the thoughts of those in the administration and the individuals who can nominate candidates.