Parties That Don't Join Elections Are Strange: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the value of political parties should be called into question if they have no plans to take part in elections.

She was responding to an opinion piece by a DAB member who warned the Democratic Party against boycotting revamped Legislative Council elections in December.

"According to my understanding, the existence value for a political party or group is to discuss, debate and participate in politics," Lam told reporters ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting.

"If a party that has a lot of members does not discuss, debate and participate in politics, then we should question the value of its existence."

She said while members of political groups can write commentaries and criticise the government, they should also have the aspiration to enter the political system to make changes.

"If a political group says it will never take part in Hong Kong's elections and will not join the political system, then that's a bit strange," she said.

Lam reiterated that Hong Kong's elections allow people with various views to take part, as long as candidates are patriotic.

Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei said his party will only decide whether to join upcoming elections during a meeting next month.

"I don't see this as a warning," he said.

"I still believe that the Democratic Party and our members will decide how we're going to move forward in the future. Whether or not we will join the election, I think this is something our party members should have the right to decide for ourselves."

Meanwhile, Lam said she understands why Beijing has decided to postpone a vote on adding its anti-sanctions law to Hong Kong legislation.

She said she believes the National People's Congress Standing Committee will continue to gather views.

The CE added that she still hopes the central government will allow the law to be introduced through local legislation, to avoid speculation by Western media and so that the move won’t affect the city's status as a financial hub.

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