More submit bids for Election Committee seats

People who hope to join the powerful Election Committee said on Monday that they want to ensure patriots govern Hong Kong, while seeking a stable and prosperous society for businesses to operate in.

They made the comments on day three of the nomination period for the committee, which has been expanded by 300 seats to 1,500 after Beijing’s election overhaul for the SAR.

Those who make it through a new vetting process and get elected will not only select Hong Kong’s chief executive, but also 40 of the 90 members of the legislature in future.

Among those submitting their nominations on Monday are members of several teachers’ bodies which have formed an alliance to vie for 13 seats in the education sub-sector.

The Education Professional Alliance includes representatives of subsidised schools councils, school heads associations and the pro-Beijing Federation of Education Workers.

The alliance hopes to strengthen national education and students’ awareness of national security. It also wants to turn the SAR into an education hub – not only in the Greater Bay Area, but also in Asia.

Sixteen of the sub-sector’s 30 seats have already been filled by ex-officio members, such as university presidents and representatives from school sponsoring bodies.

Retail and wholesale sector lawmaker Peter Shiu accompanied 17 representatives from the sector to run.

They said they want to help maintain Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity, and to ensure a good environment to do business.

The Election Committee hopefuls also urged the authorities to lift travel restrictions with the mainland as soon as possible, so they can develop markets in the Greater Bay Area, the mainland and overseas.

In the textiles and garment sub-sector, the Textiles General Chamber and Textile Council submitted a total of 17 bids. They said they want to spread the message of loving the country and Hong Kong, and called on the authorities to help with the sector’s development.