Chan Yuen-han (center) from Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) celebrates after winning the Legislative Council election on Monday. Though DAB slashed FTU's votes, Chan stressed that anyone who backs her position on labor rights is her partner. Bobby Yip / Reuters

Though the FTU lost Ip Wai-ming in its new battlefield at New Territories East, the union succeeded in expanding its representation owing to the electoral victories of Wong Kwok-hing in Hong Kong Island and Chan Yuen-han in the super seat constituency.

Chan, who had accused the DAB of pulling a loyal following away from her ticket, was the fourth highest grossing candidate. Chan stressed, however, that anyone who backs her position on labor rights is her partner.

Following the election, the pro-establishment lawmakers will remain as a slim minority in the geographical constituencies.

But James Sung Lap-kung, a political commentator from the City University of Hong Kong, said since the opposition will only enjoy a narrow margin of one to two votes on government bills, it will be easier for the government to lobby support and get legislation passed.

"The opposition camp will face enormous pressure in the future. Provided that the pro-establishment councillors are united enough and one (opposition member) votes with the establishment, the government could succeed in an ambush," he said, suggesting that the opposition must remain in their seats longer than in the past to hold their ability to vote down bills. He also noted that Emily Lau Wai-hing, who was elected as chair of the Finance Committee for two consecutive terms, will face a tougher battle with a larger number of pro-establishment counterparts, coupled with internal conflicts among the opposition.

Meanwhile, the radical opposition also gained momentum in the election. Leung Kwok-hung, aka "Long Hair", won his seat in the New Territories East with the highest number of votes. Even though the People Power managed to add only one more candidate, it garnered near 180,000 votes.

(HK Edition 09/11/2012 page1)