Candidates of the Hong Kong University constituency are facing opposition in the 2007 District Council elections for the first time.

While the District Council was established in 1982 and named, the Provisional District Boards, little challenge among candidates in the HKU constituency was seen until now. Chor-nam Wu (vice chairman) and Stephen Chan Chit Kwai (elected) are current members in the Central and Western District Council, and are now facing opposition from Democratic Coalition candidate, Lilian Yue Man Tuen.

The 2003 election saw the nomination of just one candidate in the University constituency - Chan Chit Kwai. Thus, there was hardly room for competition among the number of elected seats. This year, candidates are seen more frequently passing flyers and talking over a loud speaker in areas with heavy traffic during peak hours of the day. Mostly, it is Yue Man Tuen and Chan Chit Kwai fulfilling these tasks.

As Hong Kong is growing into its own political shoes after the handover, the push for democracy is becoming more and more evident as citizens become more interested in the policies affecting their communities. Voters realize that having a choice in who they’re represented by is important as many voice their concerns on what changes they would like to see in their community.

Within the University constituency, voters expressed most concern over the issue of the Mid-Levels escalator. They think there should be a new escalator built west of the current one, as climbing the steep hills can be difficult for the elderly among others.

“Walking up from the Lower Levels to the Mid-Levels is a very difficult task for someone, therefore, a new escalator is good,” Yen, University voter, said.

Voters also mentioned an issue with traffic, in which both Chan Chit Kwai and Yue Man Tuen seek to improve. The addition of new parks was voiced among mothers as well as the implementation of a new culture centre, such as a library. And while voters might believe their voice isn’t heard, Chan Chit Kwai and Yue Man Tuen disagree as it is in their agendas to follow through with voter’s concerns.

Stephen Chan Chit Kwai

Lilian Yue Man-Tuen