Democrats undecided on future Legco polls

Democratic Party chair Lo Kin-hei on Monday said although it plans to recommend its district councillors take a new oath of office, members won’t be forced into doing so – but it’s not made its mind up on whether to run in future Legislative Council polls.

He said those are the general views of party members who attended a sharing session on Monday.

Lo said they don’t see taking the new oath as a problem because they’ve signed similar declarations before – and the party’s central committee shall convene later to make the recommendation final.

He also quoted some voters as saying that when they ran, the councillors pledged to serve and represent the people for four years.

The chair also said the 50 members who attended the session have yet to form a consensus on whether to run in Legco elections after Beijing’s overhaul of the system.

“It’s an important decision not just for the party, but the future of the opposition in Hong Kong,” Lo told reporters.

He said the party is willing to talk the matter through and is in no rush to make a decision.

Lo added they could decide by calling a member’s general meeting in September at the latest, after the Election Committee polls on who has a vote in the next Chief Executive race.

Lo said some party members were concerned that the potential absence in Legco of the pro-democracy camp would marginalise their voices, while others were worried that running for office would mean they have to give in on their stance, principles and dignity.

The party chair added that its main source of income is not the salaries of lawmakers, and the biggest problem it faces is not resources anyway.

He said if people support his party, they can always find a way to offer donations.