First Legco poll forum held as candidates raise livelihood issues, avoid debate

Livelihood issues have emerged as a key focus of Hong Kong’s first government-held Legislative Council election forum, although there was little confrontation among candidates who refrained from questioning one another at the event.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai praised the orderly and “vibrant” atmosphere of the event on Tuesday, which covered the New Territories South West constituency. It was the first of 39 “Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance” forums to be held ahead of the December 7 poll.

“Today’s forum went very smoothly. Residents and campaign teams participated enthusiastically, and the atmosphere was vibrant,” Tsang told reporters after the forum at Tsuen Wan Town Hall.

“We hope the election forum will help voters to better understand candidates’ manifestos, and allow them to make informed choices when voting.”

The 1½-hour forum for the geographical constituency, which covers Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan, started with brief introductions by the five candidates on their manifestos.

They were then asked by the host to address two questions on how they would promote Hong Kong as an international education hub and manage the city’s housing policy to meet the needs of residents with different socioeconomic means.