Retired policeman Chan Cho-kwong, a candidate for the Nov 24 District Council elections, has the strong backing of Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, the former secretary for security in charge of the disciplined services in Hong Kong.

Ip, an Executive Council member, also believes Chan has a chance to win. She says Chan is a reliable person committed to serving the local community. Ip said it is good to have an ex-policeman running for election.

She explained that if Chan wins, he can serve as a bridge between local residents and government departments. He can also help residents lodge complaints concerning district affairs.

"It will also raise police morale because they will have a voice in the District Council," she told China Daily during a street campaign to lobby support for Chan from residents.

Chan will face two opponents, Leung Hon-ki and incumbent councilor Fu Pik-chun.

"The incumbent district councilor was elected without a contest in the last two terms. It is not good that she has been uncontested for eight years because she may have become slack or less motivated. So it will be good to have a new face."

As violent protests continue to escalate, Ip hopes the District Council elections will go ahead as planned. However, there are fears polling day will be ruined by violence and lawless acts.

Ip is very annoyed that vandalism occurred in broad daylight and was spreading to the central business district during the week. "Hong Kong's reputation as an international business center has been badly affected," she noted.

However, she believes people from the opposition camp and violent protesters want the district elections to go ahead on Nov 24 so they can secure big wins over pro-establishment candidates.

"We have been victims of violence lately as many of our offices were smashed and our street campaign activities were disrupted - with candidates and the volunteers feeling very frightened.

"They (the radical protesters) also spread violence everywhere to scare people from going to cast their votes but they will not win if people go out to vote," Ip added, when discussing her concerns about the upcoming elections.

joseph@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 11/15/2019 page4)