The Democratic Party Gained 86 Seats in the

District Councils Election

November 29, 1999

In the first District Councils election under the SAR government that took place yesterday (November 28, 1999), the voters' support sent 50% or 86 of the Democratic Party candidates to the District Councils.

Dr. YEUNG Sum, head of the Election Subcommittee within the Party, also Party Vice-Chairman, commented:

"A successful rate of 50% is not bad; but we would certainly like to do better. Compared to the last District Boards (note) election in 1994, we have a net gain of 11 seats. The successful rate dropped a little bit but we are not too concerned. This year, we have a number of young, energetic candidates who stood in the election against much more experienced and well-funded opponents. We could have held them back so that we have a better successful rate. But instead, we decided it is more important for these young people to get involved, to be baptized by the rituals of democracy."

When asked about the unexpected defeat of a few Party heavyweights, most notably Legislative Councilor Mr. Fred LI, Party Chairman Mr. Martin LEE offered his observation:

"One point overlooked by many is that, Fred, for example, was running in a district considered as difficult so that our new blood can try out in a 'safe' district. He was really attempting to help expand our Party's connection with the voters. However, in these small districts, intricate interpersonal networks tend to prevail. It is often hard and takes long time for 'outsiders' to gain inroads. Fred and others worked very hard, but obviously we needed more time.

But I do not consider these to be defeats. Compare the returns of 1994 with those of 1999, Fred's opponent won in 1994 by a margin of 1300 votes in a 2-person race. This time, also a 2-person race, he managed to sneak in only by a margin of 196 votes."

Martin LEE reserved his harshest comment for the SAR government: "The turnout rate for this election is only 36%, as opposed to the 53% turnout rate in last year's Legislative Council election. The government's decision to reinstate the appointment system to the District Councils so that 102 members of the first District Councils will be appointed in by the Chief Executive has totally discredited all the government get-out-the-vote campaigns. Many are asking why they should vote at all if the government is going to dilute the people's will."

Note: By the stipulation of the Basic Law, the district organizations formerly known as the District Boards are renamed District Councils.