Overview
- Vivian Kong, a 2024 Olympic gold medallist in fencing, has filed to run for the Legislative Council’s tourism functional constituency in the December 7 election and said she has applied to renounce her Canadian passport.
- After she submitted her papers, the returning officer sought supplementary details on her industry qualifications, and Kong cited prior work promoting racing tourism during her tenure at the Jockey Club as well as support from prominent business figures.
- Nominations closed on November 6 and now go to the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee, which works with national security police to vet applicants for patriotism and can disqualify candidates.
- The tourism seat Kong is contesting has an electorate of about 176 voters with two declared candidates, contrasting with the far larger publics that choose directly elected seats.
- Beijing loyalists dominate Legco following the 2020 national security law and 2021 electoral overhaul, and authorities and some companies are urging higher turnout, with telecom operator PCCW offering half a day of paid leave to vote.