Hong Kong authorities announced on Monday that all 161 nominees for the upcoming Legislative Council election are eligible to run. The government also outlined a series of measures to encourage public participation in the Dec 7 vote, including campaign events and debate forums.

Following a comprehensive review, the city’s Candidate Eligibility Review Committee confirmed that all candidates meet the fundamental requirements, such as upholding the Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In a commentary by Gang Aoping from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the author emphasized that the confirmation of all 161 candidates reflects a collective aspiration across various sectors to strengthen and develop a high-quality democracy that aligns with Hong Kong’s realities.

The article also highlighted the positive election atmosphere, as competition has arisen among new and incumbent candidates, demonstrating an orderly succession pattern and continued adherence to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.

Of the 89 incumbent legislators, 54 are seeking re-election, with some running in different constituencies. Additionally, 51 candidates will compete for 20 seats in Hong Kong’s 10 geographical constituencies, 60 candidates will contest 30 functional constituency seats, and 50 nominations were received for the 40-seat Election Committee constituency.

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The article praised the diversity among candidates, representing emerging economic sectors, innovators and think tanks, many of whom offer both international perspectives and local expertise. This demonstrates the Legislative Council’s commitment to innovation and to infusing fresh energy into Hong Kong’s development during a critical economic juncture.

Describing the election as a process of “selecting the best of the best”, the article anticipates fierce but healthy competition.

The number of candidates in geographical constituencies has risen 45.7 percent compared to the previous election, with each constituency fielding at least five candidates for two seats. Such intense competition is expected to spur candidates to actively engage with voters and continuously refine their platforms.

The article expressed confidence that candidates will focus their platforms on Hong Kong’s economy, people’s livelihoods, and integration into national development. It also voiced optimism that clique politics, rumor-mongering, and societal division will not resurface.

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At a media briefing, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said that with their eligibility confirmed, candidates can begin their electoral campaigns immediately.

This election is an event related to all Hong Kong residents, Chan said.

To deepen public understanding, the authorities will organize 39 election forums, inviting candidates, residents, and voters to participate. Each forum will feature candidate self-introductions, question-and-answer sessions, and debates on key topics.

Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, said the forums will provide a fair, open opportunity for candidates to present their platforms, and will help voters better assess their abilities and commitment to serving both Hong Kong and the country.

The newly elected legislators will serve a four-year term starting on Jan 1.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan led her bureau on Monday in promoting the LegCo election, encouraging front-line civil servants and market vendors to vote.

“Civil servants have a duty to lead by example, support the LegCo election, and vote for their preferred candidates,” Yeung said, adding that a brief leave will be facilitated for government employees to vote during their working hours.

In a Sunday social media post, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said he had engaged in in-depth discussions with professionals from fields such as law, accounting, corporate governance, surveying and planning, and engineering to explain the far-reaching significance of the upcoming election. He called on all sectors to actively show their support.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com