Hong Kong election a stiff test for democrats

By James Pomfret

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp faces a stiff test of its popularity this Sunday with four-yearly district council elections that could impact on bigger polls ahead and ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at full democracy.

Although district councilors wield little real power, the polls are expected to be the most fiercely contested since Hong Kong reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 -- with pro-democracy and pro-establishment parties keen to crank up momentum before major legislative elections next year.

The two opposing camps have locked horns over the constitutional reforms, which are aimed at achieving democracy with Beijing's approval.

Britain handed back Hong Kong to Communist-ruled China with the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy. The city has maintained free-wheeling business and social ways of life without universal suffrage, an idea the British promoted only in the dying days of colonial rule.

Hong Kong's mini-constitution promises direct elections as the "ultimate aim" but is vague on a timetable, giving Beijing's leaders scope to dictate the pace. In 2004, Beijing ruled out direct elections in the city until at least 2012.

Thousands took part in a pro-democracy march in October, calling for direct elections in 2012, but the turnout was nowhere near the half-million who staged anti-government protests in 2003.

Nearly 900 candidates are vying for around 400 seats in a multitude of districts in a direct, first-past-the-post vote.

"The competition is very tight," said Democratic Party chairman Albert Ho, adding that the pro-democracy camp would field its largest lineup, well over 200 candidates.

"If we lose very badly, we will have some implications for the coming Legislative Council elections," he said.

The Legislative Council is Hong Kong's mini-parliament.

The democrats, who swept the district council polls in 2003 with around 120 seats, expect a tougher struggle this time.

"The pro-democracy movement in general is having a hard time ... if we can maintain our existing strength that's not a bad result," said Joseph Cheng, election strategist with the pro-democracy Civic Party.

The well-funded and highly mobilized pro-Beijing DAB party is confident of regaining its grassroots dominance.

"Things will be more or less back to normal this time," said Choy So-yuk, a senior DAB legislator, vying for a district seat.

Some analysts say the democrats could have done more to link the district polls to a crucial legislative by-election in December involving Anson Chan, a respected ex-civil service head and staunch democracy advocate.