Hong Kong residents express great confidence in candidates' abilities

Over 70 percent of Hong Kong voters interviewed in a recent survey said they believe that the upcoming LegCo election will elect competent lawmakers to better serve Hong Kong's interests.

Conducted by the Bauhinia Institute think tank, the survey interviewed 1,528 registered voters from Dec 9 to 15.

The survey found that the improved electoral system ensures that all candidates are patriots who sincerely uphold the Basic Law and aspire to serve the public. The candidates are also considered capable of representing the interests of their sectors.

Up to 75.8 percent of the voters surveyed said that the election will be fair and has broad representation. Over 60 percent of those surveyed are satisfied with the candidates' performance in the election buildup.

In the election, 153 candidates with diverse backgrounds will compete for 90 seats in three types of constituencies. It is also the first time since Hong Kong returned to the motherland that no seats will be filled automatically.

Researchers of the institution called on all voters to vote on Sunday, Dec 19, to elect qualified lawmakers to improve the city's administration and local residents' welfare.

Sources: China Daily, Xinhua