POLITICAL GROUPINGS IN HONG KONG
1.
The United Democrats of Hong Kong, an amalgamation of various 'liberal' groups under the leadership of the lawyer
Martin Lee, was established in April 1990. They tend to
favour more radical policies, in particular a faster pace of
democratisation, and are overtly critical of China on the issue of human rights. They are regarded as the opposition
party, and at present enjoy more electoral support than
their main rivals.
It
2. The Hong Kong Democratic Foundation (HKDF) is sometimes
described as a moderate group, although many of its views
are similar to those of the UDHK, for example in advocating
the immediate introduction of universal direct suffrage.
represents professional and managerial interests,
particularly among expatriates, and is distinguished from
most other groups by wanting Hong Kong to be an
international city with equal rights for all residents. It
has not done well in this year's local elections.
3. The Liberal Democratic Foundation, established in
November 1990, represents the more conservative business and
professional establishment and is seen as being more
supportive of the Hong Kong Government; but it also wants
good relations with China. It suffers from a lack of grass
root organisational support, although a number of
independent candidates share the LDF's outlook.
HUGADX/1
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