Debate welcome at Hong Kong Legco election forums, but no smearing: Eric Chan

Hong Kong’s No 2 official has said that debate is welcome at government-run Legislative Council election forums, defending the events as he encouraged candidates to express opposing views without resorting to smears against one another.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki also said on Friday that he hoped everyone could cast their vote on December 7, even if they had work obligations. He added that no one would be asked to disclose whether they voted.

He was defending the administration’s “peaceful” forums for election candidates as Beijing’s top office overseeing the city urged candidates to “never turn to spreading rumours, leaking information, smear campaigns, attacks and slander or tearing apart communities”.

“There is no problem with candidates expressing different views during debates. And it is their decision to choose the way they present themselves – whether in an argumentative approach or not,” Chan told a radio programme on Friday.

“But we hope candidates will not resort to tactics like smearing, mudslinging and back-stabbing.”

The government revealed plans on Monday to host 39 election forums – one each for the 10 geographical, 28 functional and one Election Committee constituencies – ahead of polling day for the city’s second “patriot-only” legislature, with 90 seats available.