Nomination period for 8th LegCo Election begins Friday while CE urges public to vote

The eighth-term Legislative Council election will take place on December 7 with the nomination period beginning tomorrow.

Major political parties have begun unveiling their candidate lists.

Chief Executive John Lee has called on civil servants and the public to cast their ballots, noting that the government will work actively to ensure the election is well-organised.

With the nomination period for the upcoming Legislative Council election poised to begin on Friday, the Electoral Affairs Commission held a launch ceremony at the Central Government Offices.

Jointly officiating the event were Chief Executive John Lee and Electoral Affairs Commission chairman David Lok.

The city leader says many policies and funds have to go through the legislative process, so who will serve as lawmakers -- matters much.

He says he has instructed all government departments to deploy sufficient staff and properly arrange manpower for polling day.

David Lok, who chairs the Electoral Affairs Commission, says elections are always about comparing candidates' political platforms and capability and if we elect capable people into the legislature to serve us, Hong Kong will naturally make progress.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club says they would actively promote the upcoming election.

To encourage participation, the racecourse will display government promotional materials on polling day.

Multiple political parties started to unveil their lists of candidates as the nomination period approaches.

The Liberal Party which currently holds four seats, will field five candidates, including three newcomers.

Seeking re-elections are Michael Lee from the Election Committee constituency and Peter Shiu from the wholesale and retail sector.

Veteran lawmaker Tommy Cheung, who has represented the catering sector for 25 years, will pass the baton to Southern District Councillor Jonathan Leung.

Meanwhile, Frankie Yick from the transport section will step down and has not named a successor.

For the geographical constituencies, the Liberal Party will field two district councillors to contest Hong Kong Island East and Hong Kong Island West.

The Federation of Trade Unions announced 16 candidates will contest the election, with seven incumbents running again.

They include Stanley Ng, Bill Tang and Joephy Chan as well as Luk Chung-hung and Kwok Wai-keung

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong -- the city's largest party -- earlier announced it will field 26 candidates, the most among all parties.

Of its 19 incumbent lawmakers, 14 will seek re-election.

The New People's Party, led by Regina Ip, has yet to unveil its candidate list.