Historic election heralds 'better future for HK'

Residents walk to a polling station in Sha Tin to vote in the 2021 Legislative Council General Election on Dec 19, 2021. [EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY]

Hong Kong's political heavyweights and community leaders said Sunday's 2021 Legislative Council Election is a pivotal moment in the city's political development that will ensure a brighter future for the people.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said the election is well-organized with experienced candidates ready to serve the public.

"The election has gone off smoothly and it took me just 20 minutes to finish my voting. It's well-organized and adequately staffed," Tam said.

"It's being conducted in an orderly fashion, and the competition is healthy with competent and experienced candidates are ready to serve the public in the new legislature," he said.

Tam said he believed that the new lawmakers will work with the government in solving the city's deep-seated problems and in improving people's livelihoods, as well as reviving the economy.

Brave Chan Yung, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, noted that this is Hong Kong's first legislative election since the social unrest in 2019.

"The competition is rational and of high quality. There's no more smearing or physical confrontation among the candidates, which were common in previous elections. This proves that the revamped electoral system will ensure Hong Kong's lasting stability," Chan said.

Chan is competing for a functional constituency seat representing HKSAR deputies to the National People's Congress. The other candidate of the sub-sector is TseHiu-hung.

"I hope every registered voter will cast his or her ballot today to safeguard Hong Kong's future and help the SAR take off again by deeply integrating into the nation's development," he added.

Chu Lap-wai, chairman of the Southern District branch of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said candidates in this general election presented rational and pragmatic platforms to win votes.

"The biggest difference between this Legislative Council election and previous elections is that each candidate this time has presented a rational and pragmatic platform to win voters' support," he said.

"The new electoral system is of great significance to Hong Kong. Under the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', the city will see a more promising future," he added.