District Council Election 2015

By Jonathan Chan Half an hour before six Banyan trees in Western District on Hong Kong Island were chopped down in August, Central and Western district councillor Wong Kin-shing received an email. Although he was fully aware of the opposition from the local community, there was nothing he could do to stop the trees from being removed. "This is notifying, not consulting," Mr Wong said. "The government does not respect our district council." Although they are directly elected by Hong Kong residents, district councillors have little say in government policies concerning local communities. The lack of power results in a low turnout rate in the council elections. Mr Wong said the Highways Department, which was in charge of the removal of the trees, held two meetings with the district council. Councillors proposed several solutions such as trimming the leaves, but none of them was taken in the end. "We are sad to see the District Council in this state," said Mr Wong, who will not run in the upcoming elections. To enhance communication between the government and residents of Hong Kong, the former colonial government established the District Boards in 1982. In 2000, the Boards were renamed District Council. The Home Affairs Department says on its website that District Council function as advisory bodies, giving suggestions to the government on matters affecting "the well-being of the people in the district." They also give advice on government programmes and the use of public funds as well as public facilities. If funds are allocated, the District Council should use them to improve the environment, spend on community activities or promote recreational and cultural activities within the district, the website says. But some councillors doubt if their suggestions are taken seriously by the government. "When it comes to government policies, the District Council is powerless as an advisory body," says Kelvin …

Faced with competition from veteran politicians, candidates in their 20s are determined to win in the election. By Choco Chan, Jonathan Chan CY. One year after the student-led Occupy Movement, some young democrats are bringing their political passion to the district council election. With the help of supporting groups, they are trying to challenge the established political parties and win over Hong Kong voters. At the age of 21, Kelvin Sin Cheuk-nam is the youngest candidate the Democratic Party is fielding in the upcomingdistrict council election. Mr Sin said a challenge he faces is the general perception that young people are inexperienced and incapable in politics. "In my district, being young is definitely not an advantage," said Mr Sin. Mr Sin is running for a seat in the Central and Western District's constituency of Kennedy Town and Mount Davis. Some of his opponents are much older then him. One of them, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong candidate Chan Hok-fung, is 38 years old and has been working as a district councillor since 2008. Mr Sin believes voters are likely to suppport experienced politicians. Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions vice-chairperson, Chan Yuen-han believes the pro-democracy young candidates will not pose a threat to the pro-establishment camp. "Young people have a passion for politics," said the 68-year-old legislator. "But they lack the ability to think and analyse the situation comprehensively like expereienced polticians like us." Despite the obstacles, many young candidates are determined to run. Baggio Leung Chung-heng, convenor of a new political group Youngspiration, said running for district councillor was not only about gaining seats, but to change people's perception. Youngspiration, which aims to become a voice for young people, are sending nine candidates aged from 23 to 29 to run in the election. The …