Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Electoral Politics in Post-1997 Hong Kong pp 69–95Cite as

Power to the People: Changing Electoral Strategies of the Prodemocracy Opposition Elite

  • Chapter

  • 1085 Accesses

Abstract

In this chapter, the electoral strategies of the pan-democratic parties in the postcolonial era, especially after the July 1, 2003 protest, are critically examined. While extant studies focus predominantly on how this historic protest strengthened Hong Kong’s civil society, an underappreciated long-term electoral effect is highlighted here: how pan-democratic parties increasingly relied on the media to draw voters’ support. Consequently, as predicted by the analytical model presented in Chap. 2, the attention of these parties was diverted from the relationship vote to the protest vote.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    See the A1 headline of the Hong Kong Daily News on July 7, 2003, as well as the A4 headline of the Apple Daily and the A9 headline of the Ming Pao Daily News on July 8, 2003.

  2. 2.

    Personal interview with a District Councillor on January 31, 2012 (Code: 22).

  3. 3.

    For instance, filibuster was reportedly used to obstruct the readings of the proposed national security laws in 2003 and the approval of the funding for the construction of the high-speed railway in 2010.

  4. 4.

    Initially, some pro-establishment parties had expressed interest to participate in the by-election (Sing and Tang 2012; Hong Kong Economic Times 2010).

  5. 5.

    Not all prodemocracy activists go for the online option. Tsang Kin-shing, a member of the LSD , has continuously run a traditional radio broadcast station, Citizens’ Radio, in defiance of repeated crackdowns by the government on the charge of illegal broadcasting.

  6. 6.

    It is important to note that the decline is in part due to the DP’s decreasing seat share in the legislature. In 1998, the DP occupied nine out of the 20 seats for geographical constituencies , while in 2012, it could only capture four. But seat share is not the only factor affecting a party’s media exposure. For example, the LSD in 2013 had only one LegCo seat, but its news coverage in that year was four times that of the ADPL and seven times that of the NWSC . The two latter parties also have one seat each in the LegCo.

  7. 7.

    Ironically, Leung Kwok-hung, who joined a Trotskyist vanguard party in the 1970s, is now viewed by his ultraleft comrades as a “traitor of the revolution” because of his association with the establishment (Xu 2013, p. 174).

  8. 8.

    The CP-LSD alliance had unilaterally lowered the benchmark for victory, as the by-election neared. But the turnout rate still failed to meet their lowest target.

  9. 9.

    Much of the internal strife was caused by a DP District Councillor, who quit the party in an attempt to apply for a high-ranking government position.

  10. 10.

    https://zh-cn.facebook.com/parentsconcerngroup

  11. 11.

    Personal interview with a member of the group on May 16, 2014.

  12. 12.

    Personal interview with Bobo Yip on March 27, 2014 (Code: 30).

  13. 13.

    Personal interview with Yan-ho Lai on August 11, 2014 (Code: 47).

  14. 14.

    Personal interview with Bobo Yip on March 27, 2014 (Code: 30).

  15. 15.

    Personal interview with Szeto May on May 15, 2014 (Code: 32).

  16. 16.

    Personal interview with an NGO worker on May 12, 2014 (Code: 31).

  17. 17.

    Personal interview with Tommy Cheung Sau-yin on June 5, 2014 (Code: 34).

Bibliography

  • Apple Daily. (2003). New political group civic act-up achieved election rate 60 percent, 25 Nov 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Apple Daily. (2010a). Organize movement online and seek no political advantage, 16 Jan 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Apple Daily. (2010b). Pro-Beijing figure threatens allies not to participate in the by-election. chen yongqi: Participating by-election considered against the central government [qinjingpai xia zhijiyou wu canxuan chen yongqi: canjia buxuan yutong zhongyang guowuqu], 23 Jan 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, K.-M. (2005). Civil society and the democracy movement in Hong Kong: Mass mobilization with limited organizational capacity. Korea Observer, 36(1), 167–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, J. M., & Chung, R. (2003). Who could mobilize half a million to take to the street?, 15–16 July 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung, R., & Chan, J. M. (2003). July 1 protest’s revelation: Internet mobilization triggers new democratic power, 24–25 July 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gramsci, A. (1971). Selections from the Pprison Nnotebooks, ed. and trans. (Quintin Q. Hoare and & Geoffrey G. Nowell N. Smith (Eds. and Trans.)). New York: International Publishers Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • HKSAR. (2006). Second report of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in the Light of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/panels/ha/papers/ha0310cb2-iccpr-e.pdf.

  • HKSAR. (2012). Combined third and fourth reports of the People’s Republic of China under the Convention on the Rights of the Child – Part Two: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr11-12/english/panels/ca/papers/ca0618-rpt20120525-e.pdf. 25 May 2012.

  • HKSAR. (2013). Legislative Council Question: Registration of Organizations. http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201307/10/P201307100420.htm. 10 July 2013.

  • Hong Kong Commercial Daily. (2010). Difficult for Audrey Eu to Avoid Defeat [Yu ruowei baibu nanhuo], 25 May 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong Kong Economic Journal. (2006). Wong yuk-man claims LSD extreme leftist, 2 Oct 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong Kong Economic Journal. (2010a). Audrey Eu: Automatically elected tantamount to winning without fighting [Yu ruowei: zidong dangxuan dengyu gongtou buzhan ersheng], 18 Feb 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong Kong Economic Journal. (2010b). Wong yuk-man: Benefited from quasi-referendum LSD aims for 5 seats in the next election, 19 May 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hong Kong Economic Times. 2010. Two parties quit, pro-establishment camp eyes on three constituencies, scholar says “uprising” slogan alienates moderate voters [liangdang qingci jianzhipai zhugong xanqu qiyi zuo kouhao xuezhe zhi liushi wenhe xuanmin], 22 Jan 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hung, T.-W., Lai, A., Leung, C.-K., Ng, S., Pong, Y.-Y., Taylor, R., & Zimmerman, P. (2010). Hong Kong interchange option: A cheaper, faster, and better express rail link. Technical report, Professional Commons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ip, C.-I. (2009). New political power: The development of Hong Kong independent media [xinzhengzhi liliang: xianggang duli meiti de fazhan]. Mass Communication Research [Xinwenxue yanjiu], 99, 221–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ku, S.-M. A. (2007). Constructing and contesting the “order” imagery in media discourse: Implications for civil society in Hong Kong. Asian Journal of Communication, 17(2), 186–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai, C. P. (2007). Media in Hong Kong: Press freedom and political change, 1967–2005. London/New York: Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lam, M.-W. (2012). Political identity, culture, and participation. In: Wilson, W.-W., Percy, L.-L., & Wai-man, L. (Eds.) Contemporary Hong Kong government and politics (2nd ed.). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, F. L. F. (2011). Taking message-attitude congruence as media effects: Examining perceived influence of political talk radio in Hong Kong. Journal of Radio & Audio Media, 18(2), 176–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, F. L. F., & Chan, J. M. (2011). Media, social mobilisation and mass protests in post-colonial Hong Kong: The power of a critical event. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo, S. S.-H. (2007). One formula, two experiences: Political divergence of Hong Kong and macao since retrocession. Journal of Contemporary China, 16(52), 359–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, N. (2008). Civil society and democratization in Hong Kong paradox and duality. Taiwan Journal of Democracy 4(2), 155–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma, N. (2012). An oral history of democratic movement of Hong Kong in the 1980s [Xianggang 80 niandai minzhu yundong koushu lishi]. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma, E. K.-W., & Chan, J. M. (2007). Global connectivity and local politics: SARS, talk radio, and public opinion apparatus in Hong Kong. In Davis, D., & Siu, H. (Eds.), SARS: Reception and interpretation in three Chinese cities. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2003). Shouting “down with tung” under burning sun, 2 July 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2004a). Alan leong denies champerty [liang jiajie fouren baolan susong], 29 July 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2004b). Lam Yuk Wah quits, and Ivan Choy loses morale [Lin xuhua gongtong jintui cai ziqiang yixing lanshan], 29 July 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2010a). Audrey Eu: 50% Victory Benchmark Unchanged [Yu ruowei: wucheng toupiaolv chenggong mubiao bubian], 18 Feb 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2010d). The LSD promises “three nos” and boycotts district councils’ super-seats [sheminlian sanbu beige quhui yixi], 22 June 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming Pao Daily News. (2011a). Liberal party implicates civic party as the “black hand” [ziyoudang anpi gongmindang heishou], 29 Sept 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien, K. J. & Li, L. (2006). Rightful resistance in rural China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Offe, C. (1985). New social movements: Challenging the boundaries of institutional politics. Social Research, 52(4), 817–868.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oriental Daily. (2010). Video of longhair cursing szeto wah goes viral online [changmao zhou situa hua wangshang rebo], 27 June 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pichardo, N. A. (1997). New social movements: A critical review. Annual Review of Sociology, 23(1), 411–430

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sing, M., & Tang, Y.-S. (2012). Mobilization and conflicts over Hong Kong’s democratic reform. In: W.-W. Wilson, L.-L. Percy, & L. Wai-man (Eds.), Contemporary Hong Kong government and politics (2nd ed.). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sing Pao. (2009). DP’s Veto on Quasi-referendum Causes LSD Worries [Minzhudang foujue zongci sheminlian hong pohuai gongtou], 15 Dec 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sing Pao. (2010a). CP and LSD Refuse to Support “Universal Suffrage Detour” [Gongshe liangdang ju zhichi “puxuan douhao yuanlu”], 19 June 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sing Pao. (2010b). Wong Yuk-man Criticizes DP for Breaking Promises [Yumin hong minzhudang beixinqiyi], 25 June 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sing Tao Daily. (2005). On his mythical resignation, wong yuk man: Because of blaming commercial radio for helping donald tsang putting on an act [huiying shangtai chaoyou zhimi huangyumin henpi wei baotai zuosao rehuo], 05 July 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sing Tao Daily. (2010). Alan Leong Says DP Saves Donald Tsang [Liang jiajie zhi minzhudang jiu baotai], 19 July 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, A. Y. (2008). Social Conflict in Hong Kong after 1997: The emergence of a post-modern mode of social movements. In M. K. Chan (Ed.), China’s Hong Kong transformed: Retrospect and prospects beyond the first decade. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, C. (2003a). How Hong Kong newspapers report news about legislation of article 23. Media Digest, January 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • So, C. (2003b). Look again how Hong Kong newspapers report news about legislation of article 23. Media Digest, February 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • South China Morning Post. (2010). Quitters denied a parting shot by walkout, 28 Jan 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szeto, W. (2011). In the endless river eastward flows: A memoir of Szeto Wah [Dajiang Dongqu: Situ Hua Huiyilu]. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ta Kung Pao. (2009). Longhair expelled for throwing paper-made microwave oven [changmao zhi zhiza weibolu beizhu], 19 Nov 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ta Kung Pao. (2011). Civic party creates trouble for Hong Kong’s future [gongmindong weixian luangang huohai wuqiong], 11 Oct 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ta Kung Pao. (2012). James Tien Mocks Ronny Tong: Should Leave Civic Party [Tianshao zhao Tang jiahua ying tuidang], 26 Aug 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takungpao. (2010). CP and LSD promote Hong Kong independence [gongshe liangdang yunniang gangdu], 5 May 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Sun. (2010). David chu: Losing orderliness [feitianzhu kantianxia: yulai yuwu guiju], 28 Jan 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2010a). Alan leong’s “three routes plan” shows evil intentions [liang jiajie santiao luxian baocang huoxin], 17 Nov 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2010b). Blaming ADPL and NWSC, LSD Says No Coordination in District Councils Election Next Year [Ze minxie jiegong chen mingnian quxuan buxietiao], 7 Feb 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2010c). Changing Victory Benchmark Shows CP and LSD are Sore Losers [Qiekan gongshe lian gongtou shengfu biaozhun de bianhua shudayingyao mociweishen], 18 May 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2011a). Civic party’s “black hand” unveiled in the bridge lawsuit: Madam zhu’s goddaughter zheng li er says in magazine interview the party approached zhu again for re-appeal [daqiao guansi xiehua gongmindang heishou xianxing zhupopo qinu zhenglier jieshou zhoukan fangwen bao yuzhao popo zai shangsu], 6 Nov 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2011b). Secretary for justice: At least 200,000 new applicants for comprehensive social security assistance should foreign domestic helpers receive right of abode [lu zhengsi: waiyong tanghuo juquan zhixhao ershiwanren shen zengyuan], 2 Aug 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2012a). Chan ka lok can’t distance himself from the three big lawsuits damaging Hong Kong by sophism [sanda haigang guansi chen jialuo qineng kao guibian pieqing], 23 Aug 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2012b). Court ruling as the best method to correct wrong judgment [fating jiuzheng cuopan shi zuihao banfa], 29 Mar 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2012d). Audacious Electioneering by “National Education Concern Group” [“guojiao guanzhu zu” minghuo zhizhang gao xuanju caozuo], 27 Aug 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Wei Po. (2014b). Occupy central’s and quasi-referendum’s hidden agenda: Hong Kong independence [zhanzhong gongtou de gangdu depai], 1 Jan 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, J. (1993). Xu jiatun xianggang huiyilu [xu jiatun’s Hong Kong memoir]. United Daily News.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, Z. (2013). Resisters [Kangzhengzhe]. New Taipei City: Gusa Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Government and Public Administration, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR

    Stan Hok-Wui Wong

Authors
  1. Stan Hok-Wui Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wong, S.HW. (2015). Power to the People: Changing Electoral Strategies of the Prodemocracy Opposition Elite. In: Electoral Politics in Post-1997 Hong Kong. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-387-3_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation