New Alliance To Push 'Third Way' In Legco

Executive councillor Ronny Tong's Path of Democracy and the Third Side political party announced on Friday that they had formed a new alliance, in case they decide to field candidates in December's Legco elections.

At a press conference, the two groups said they share a mission of safeguarding One Country Two Systems, defending China's sovereignty over the SAR, promoting democratic reform and improving the city’s governance.

They said several members from each group have indicated they are interested in running in the Legco polls, but they will need more time to come to a final decision on whether to field candidates.

The nomination period for the elections will run from October 30 to November 12.

Tong said the alliance aims to promote what he calls the “Third Way” – which he said he has been championing since he quit the Civic Party in 2015.

“We also believe that by preserving and respecting the constitutional order, it is possible to strike a right balance between the constitutional order and the core values and freedoms of the people in Hong Kong. That is our main political belief,” he said.

“I think it would not be too meaningful for anyone to try to say whether we are closer to the pro-government parties or we are closer to the pan-democrats. We are simply different, if there is a difference.”

Tong stressed that the alliance is not a merger of the two groups, and said they will review their relationship after the elections.

Meanwhile, Tik Chi-yuen, the chairman of Third Side, said taking part in the upcoming polls would be particularly challenging.

“I think all the people in Hong Kong find that the pro-establishment camp is well prepared for the coming election. They are well-organised, well-coordinated. We also find that they get more opportunities when compared with the non-pro-establishment camp. So I think it is a very challenging election for us," he said.

Tik added that with some pro-democracy parties deciding not to join the Legco race, he hopes the alliance can help people regain their trust in the legislature.