Simon Lee Hoey, director and secretary-general of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area office of China Resources Group, also a candidate for Commercial (third) constituency, came forward to share his thoughts.

Q: What do you think of the significance of the elections on Sunday? 

As we all know that, today is the first election under Hong Kong's new electoral system, so I am sure the election will lay a very solid foundation for the upcoming Legislative Council General Election and Chief Executive Election, which will be held in December 2021 and March 2022, respectively. From this perspective, I regard today's election as a landmark occasion for ensuring "patriots administering Hong Kong" in accordance with "one country, two systems".

Q: What are your expectations for the Election Committee members when they discharge their duties?  

I expect the new Election Committee members do not just succeed in completing the task of nominating Chief Executive candidates, electing the Chief Executive, electing 40 members of the LegCo and nominating LegCo candidates, but are able to elect those capable who can really solve Hong Kong's deep-seated problems and help the city find a way out.

Q: Do you think having broader representation in the Election Committee will serve Hong Kong's future well? 

Absolutely. As the Election Committee has expanded, from four sectors to five sectors, and from 1,200 to 1,500 seats, in which up to 60 seats have been created for grass-roots associations, 27 for Hong Kong citizens based on the mainland, and 110 for Hong Kong members of national organizations. The new arrangement can ensure that the Election Committee comprises members from every stratum of the community, and thus can help foster the efficacy of governance in Hong Kong.

Q: Do you think this is a positive step for Hong Kong to steer away from pan-politicization and try to move forward, after all the protest violence and chaos we saw in 2019? 

Definitely. It is natural and aligns with international norms to require people vested with governing powers to be patriotic, so I agree that the new electoral system, together with the implementation of the National Security Law since June 30 last year, will go a long way towards ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.