28
vis;
52.
for
A practical consideration is the possible
problems which would arise if large numbers of
candidates came forward to present themselves
election, thus making it difficult for voters to make
an informed choice between them. This could be avoided
by imposing stringent qualifications for nomination, or
by requiring payment of a very large deposit. Both
these courses would be open to criticism, however, on
the grounds that they would discriminate against some
otherwise worthy candidates, and that it should be open
to any person qualified to be an elector to stand for
election.
In many
democratic systems, the
pre-selection of candidates for direct elections is, in
effect, carried out by the dominant political parties.
This tends to select candidates of suitable calibre,
and with popular support. In the absence of a party
system, in Hong Kong, it may be necessary to consider
some form of pre-selection or pre-qualification which
would exclude frivolous candidates and encourage
suitable candidates, to stand for
election. (Some
possible arrangements are set out in Appendix
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