TNAG-1985-FCO40-2818-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 99

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When direct election to the Legco is held in 1991, the democrats, due to the lack of sufficient seats, are bound to go in separate ways instead of sticking together. The democrats have to learn from experience. They must be more aware of the need to compromise and they should maintain an internal balance of interest. The leader should not be the only one to decide who to support and who to discard because it would only lead to confrontation. If Democrats who share the same aspirations cannot compromise among themselves, how can they be expected to compromise with other factions or political bodies? However, when it comes to power and position, even those who are most democratic in thinking will not easily give way or withdraw, but will simply go to the votes. Does voting really count for all? Voting somehow gives rise to ill-feelings.

Democrats may choose between two lines

Democracy is a choice between two lines: one is to unite

various people and forces through democracy to work for the common interest of Hong Kong; the other is to put one's own interest in the forefront, hold fast to one's own opinions and make a clear distinction between oneself and the others. The latter course would ultimately give rise to factional hostilities followed by endless eruption of unnecessary disputes. The interests of the majority would be reduced to secondary importance.

To adopt the first line needs compromise and a broad-minded political leader to guide the way. But until now, how many political leaders can dismiss factional bias and balance the interests of various parties and are held in high regard by the masses?

The current Municipal Councils Election has shown that candidates without the support of political groups and electioneering teams simply go nowhere. LOK Sai-kit of Shatin East, who obtained a mere 240 votes; and Shaukiwan's WONG Ching, winning only 47 votes, are typical examples. It looks like in 1991 there will be even fewer independent candidates standing for election.