Ronny Tong Warns Against Legco Poll Delays

Executive councillor Ronny Tong has warned against pushing back the upcoming Legco elections – as suggested by pro-establishment heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung and others – saying this could lead to legal challenges and create more political harm.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Wednesday, Tong said that the authorities could look at measures adopted in other countries like online voting and extending polling time.

He also said the government could consider splitting voters into groups, so they can vote in different time slots to reduce crowds and help lower health risks amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Tong added that this will also address complaints by the pro-establishment camp that there should be priority voting for elderly voters.

The former lawmaker also said that under the Legislative Council Ordinance, the Chief Executive may adjourn the polling or counting of votes for a general election if it is likely to be or is being obstructed, disrupted, undermined or seriously affected by riots or violence or any danger to public health or safety.

However, if the CE decides to postpone the election, they need to give notice of when that election will be adjourned to, and it should take place no later than 14 days after the date on which the election, poll or count would have taken place.

Tong said there are both advantages and disadvantages to postponing the election if the Covid-19 epidemic continues, but warned that postponing it may lead to controversy and judicial challenges, and that the political risks may outweigh the benefits.

Tong's comments come after Tam said the government should not rule out postponing the upcoming elections amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.

Hong Kong's sole member on the National People's Congress Standing Committee and former DAB chairman later defended his comments, saying they were public health-driven, and not linked to his camp's prospects in the upcoming vote.

After the pro-democracy camp's resounding success in last year's district council elections, there has been speculation that the government would seek to delay the Legco elections to avoid another trouncing for the pro-establishment camp.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said the election would go ahead as planned for now.

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau has said it will closely liaise with health authorities, while evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the elections and formulating various contingency plans.