2007 Hong Kong Island by-election

Legislative Council of Hong Kong election December 2021 2007 Hong Kong Island by-election Hong Kong presidential no 2004 Hong Kong legislative election 2004 2008 Hong Kong legislative election 2008 52.06% #Opinion polls 2 December 2007 180x180px Anson Chan Pan-democracy Independent (politician) 175,874 54.84% 180x180px Regina Ip Pro-Beijing Independent (politician) 137,550 42.89% Member Ma Lik (deceased) Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong Anson Chan Independent (politician) thumb|right|250px|Anson Chan's supporters thumb|right|250px|Regina Ip supporters, some bearing anti-Chan banners. The 2007 Hong Kong Island by-election was held on 2 December 2007 and was won by Anson Chan with 54.6% of the votes cast."Elections results" https://web.archive.org/web/20071215184102/http://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2007by/eng/result.html 15 December 2007 , Elections.gov.hk, 2 December 2007 It was precipitated by the death of the then chairman of the Pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) Ma Lik on 8 August 2007.Gazette, 11 August 2007. It was the second by-election in a geographical constituency to be held since the transfer of sovereignty in 1997 and the largest remainder proportional representation electoral system was adopted in 1998, coincidentally in the same constituency – Hong Kong Island. There were eight candidates in all, all standing as independents. However, the two front-runners had respectively secured the backing of the largest political groupings, Pan-democrats and Beijing loyalists. The pro-democracy camp agreed to unite behind a single candidate, Anson Chan, former Chief Secretary for Administration, selected through a selection process; the Liberal Party and the DAB bargained behind closed doors to select Regina Ip, the former Secretary for Security who resigned following the 500,000-strong 2003 1 July protest. Background 2000 The last by-election was held on 10 December 2000, when then DAB vice-chairman Gary Cheng declined to accept his seat as a result of a scandal. The current leader of the Civic Party, Audrey Eu, who was then running as an independent backed by the pro-democracy camp won the by-election with 52.1% of valid vote.Hong Kong Economic Journal, Page 9, 13 August 2007. Cheng was subsequently jailed for abuse of office.Sangwon Suh and Yulanda Chung "A PR Man's PR Woes", Asiaweek.com, 8 September 2000 2004 Hong Kong Legislative Council election, 2004 The previous election on 12 September 2004 returned six candidates to office based on a party list proportional representation system. The pro-Beijing camp returned two candidates, and pro-democracy camps three, with the remainder filled by the independent Rita Fan. The election returned Martin Lee and Yeung Sum of the Democratic Party, Ma Lik, and Choy So Yuk of the DAB, Audrey Eu of the Civic Party, and Rita Fan to the council. Trigger Ma Lik, who announced on 8 August 2004 that he had colon cancer, died on 8 August 2007 in Guangzhou before his term expired. According to Hong Kong laws, such vacancies have to be filled by a by-election, unless the next regular election is scheduled to be held in less than four months. The Legislative Council Secretariat issued a gazette notice on 10 August 2007, signifying that a vacancy in the Legislative Council has arisen on 8 August.GN5239, Vacancy in membership of Legislative Council, Legislative Council of Hong Kong, 10 August 2007 Nominations would be open for two to three weeks, and there would be four to six weeks for canvassing before the election on Sunday 2 December.Info.gov.hk 08-28-2007 The pan-democrats suggested that the by-election be held with the District Council election on 18 November to save on resources. The government rejected the idea, arguing that it might confuse voters.Singtaonet 08-28-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011825/http://www.singtaonet.com:82/hongkong/200708/t20070828_606782.html 27 September 2007 There were concerns that the government wanted to lower the turnout by holding the elections on separate days in order to create a more favorable situation for pro-government candidates.Singtaonet 08-21-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929094131/http://www.singtaonet.com:82/hongkong/200708/t20070821_601953.html 29 September 2007 Although Hong Kong legislative geographical constituencies are elected by proportional representation, the fact that there is only one vacancy turns it effectively into a first-past-the-post race. The winner serves the remainder of Ma's natural term of office, which would have expired on 30 September 2008. Contenders Kam Nai Wai of the Democratic Party declared his intention to run, whereas Regina Ip, who resigned for the infamous National Security Bill tabled during her term as the security chief in the Hong Kong Government, became the sole candidate of the pro-Beijing camp. The Civic Party, The Frontier of the pro-democracy camp, and the pro-Beijing HKFTU decided they would not field any candidate.Singtaonet.com https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105231/http://www.singtaonet.com:82/hongkong/200708/t20070826_605359.html 29 September 2007 , Sing Tao Daily zh Several other contenders had been mentioned by the media. Primaries Results of previous elections in the Hong Kong Island constituency has fuelled the expectation of 60:40 vote split between the democrats and the loyalists. As long as the pro-democratic camp coordinated successfully to nominate a single candidate, they have a higher chance of winning. To that end, the pro-democracy camp agreed to unite behind a single candidate; the Liberal Party and the DAB bargained behind closed doors. Each party or group confirmed their candidate on or before 10 September.Singtao net 社民連軟化 泛民營造大團結 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011810/http://www.singtaonet.com:82/hongkong/200708/t20070822_602765.html 27 September 2007 Singtao net 泛民搞初選選秀出戰各派同意協調1員硬撼葉太 The selection mechanism for the Democrat candidate consisted of primary elections which consisted of a public debate, an opinion poll and primary elections.Mingpao image reference 1. Retrieved 11-29-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080912042912/http://www.mingpaovan.com/ftp/News/20070913/HK/13gd401.gif 12 September 2008 Mingpao image reference 2. Retrieved 11-29-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080912042914/http://www.mingpaovan.com/ftp/News/20070913/HK/13gd402.gif 12 September 2008 Mingpao 初選月底舉行陳太參加. Retrieved 11-29-2007 https://archive.today/20070624003121/http://www.mingpaovan.com/htm/News/20070913/HK-gda1.htm 24 June 2007 Mingpao. 陳方安生擬定四個範疇政綱 備戰泛民初選. Retrieved 11-29-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080512090119/http://www.singtaonet.com:82/hongkong/200709/t20070915_618956.html 12 May 2008 On 30 September 2007, it was announced that Anson Chan had triumphed over Lo Wing-lok to be the standard-bearer for the Pan-democrats.December 2007 Official contenders thumb|right|250px|Stanley Chiang's supporters Lau Yuk Shing (柳玉成), former member of League of Social Democrats before late October, now of the Labor Party. He broke ranks with the pro-democracy camp to stand in the by-election. He uses Putonghua, because he can't speak Cantonese. Lee Wing-kin (李永健), barrister. Siu See-kong (蕭思江), solicitor Regina Ip, pro-Beijing former Secretary for Security.Apple Daily, Ming Pao articles, Hong Kong Island Legco by-election, League of Social Democrats, https://web.archive.org/web/20070930190521/http://www.lsd.org.hk/new/index.php?page=877 30 September 2007 She declared herself "an independent".Diana Lee, Slightly sorry, Regina's now raring to go https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051638/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=54202&sid=15585333&con_type=3&d_str=20070928&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 28 September 2007 Stanley Tandon Lal Chiang (蔣志偉), Chairman of Lok Ma Chau-Hong Kong Freight Association Cecilia Ling Wai-wan (凌蔚雲), Director. Anson Chan, former Chief Secretary in the Hong Kong GovernmentCarrieChan, Anson Chan set to announce Legco candidacy https://web.archive.org/web/20110522045439/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=53231&sid=15316296&con_type=1&d_str=20070911 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 11 September 2007] Ho Loy (何來), monuments and heritage campaigner. Anson Chan and Regina Ip are without doubt the front-runners in this election. Chan is supported by the pan-democrats, while Ip has the blessing of the pro-Beijing forces, and the pro-business Liberal Party. Regina Ip, the former security chief in the Hong Kong Government who resigned following the 500,000-strong 2003 1 July protest, declared her intention to run on 27 September 2007. She was backed by the DAB chairman Tam Yiu Chung, Liberal Party chairman James Tien, and Ho Chung Tai of The Alliance. Anson Chan, former Chief Secretary for Administration secured the backing of the united Democratic parties. Nevertheless, Lau Yuk Shing, former member of League of Social Democrats provoked the wrath of some democrats when he broke ranks and stood. Issues Universal suffrage in 2012 Ip, who had previously been maintaining a "pragmatic" defense of universal suffrage for the chief executive and Legislative Council elections in 2017, said that it could be achieved by 2012 under her proposal unveiled her platform on 23 October. She emphasised her fallback plan was to delay universal Legco polls to 2016 at the latest, and 2017 for the chief executive election. Chan declared Ip's new proposal on the chief executive election a step backwards, saying it would make it harder for potential candidates.Diana Lee, Ip eyes 2012 as target for major election changes https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051412/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=55597&sid=15945646&con_type=1&d_str=20071024&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 24 October 2007 Chan went against her core group of advisors, who had proposed in March that a delay in universal suffrage until 2016 and 2017 was acceptable, and declared that she was advocating full universal suffrage by 2012 to distinguish her from Ip's stance.Carrie Chan, "Chan changes suffrage stance in challenge to Ip" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051422/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=55938&sid=16040066&con_type=1&d_str=20071030&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 30 October 2007 The people of Hong Kong are ready for universal suffrage and I support its implementation for the two elections in 2012 because the SAR government has failed to put forward any convincing reason for delaying this step beyond that date. Anson Chan unveiling her platform on universal suffrage (2007) However, a local delegate to the National People's Congress, joined the fray on 4 November by saying that it was within the powers of the Central government to decide on a timetable for universal suffrage in the chief executive and the Legislative Council elections. "If Hong Kong people want universal suffrage earlier, they should show more respect for the powers of the central government" said the former lawmaker Maria Tam Wai-chu.Diana Lee, Public urged to respect Beijing role in vote, The Standard, 5 November 2007 Debate thumb|right|190px|Article 23 was a major focal point for the debate 8 November hustings The eight candidates partook in a debate at University of Hong Kong's Loke Yew Hall on 8 November 2007. It was apparent that 500South China Morning Post, "Ip and Chan go head to head in rough-and-tumble debate.", South China Morning Post. Retrieved 9 November 2007. members of the audience were mainly interested in the two front-runners.Winnie Chong, "Putonghua test for by-election eight" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051320/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=56560&sid=16211817&con_type=1&d_str=20071109&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 9 November 2007 One of the key questions directed at Ip, asked whether she would be as uncompromising in fighting for universal suffrage by 2012 in Hong Kong as the hardline attitude she took in promoting Article 23. Ip contested the assertion that the 500,000 demonstrators took to the streets because of Article 23 legislation alone. "The 500,000 protesters took to the streets for many issues," she said. The remarks caused a stir in the crowd. 25 November 2007 On 25 November, Ip and Chan openly traded insults and explicitly targeted each other's weakest points during the forum. Chan attacked Ip's pivotal role in the Article 23 bill as proof she was not a genuine supporter of democracy. Chan derided Ip for saying Hitler killed 7 million people after coming to power through democracy, and then saying she was fighting for universal suffrage. Chan further attacked Ip's proposal for pre-selecting the Chief Executive nominees as "a step back for democracy". Ip responded that she supports the 2012 universal suffrage since she studied in the United States, and accused Chan of being "a radical".South China Morning Post, "The gloves come off in second TV poll debate.", South China Morning Post. Retrieved 28 November 2007. Chan said "The people will know very clearly who is a fake democrat and who genuinely supports real democracy." Ip then accused Chan of stirring up confrontation when Chan asked whether her apology over Article 23 was sincere or just a strategy. Questioned on the reintroduction of Article 23, Ip said the Government should obtain public consensus. Opinion polls Opinion polls in advance of the 2007 Hong Kong Island by-election.chart Opinion polls in advance of the 2007 Hong Kong Island by-election.tab 700px Date(s)conductedPolling organisation/clientSample size Lau Lee Siu Ip Chiang Ling Chan Ho None of above/Undecided Lead30 NovLingnan University4310.2%0.0%0.2%27.4%0.5%0.0%36.0%0.9%34.8%8.6%28–30 NovHKUPOP1010<0.5%2.9%<0.5%30.7%0.7%<0.5%43.8%1.4%22.2%13.1%27–29 NovHKUPOP863<0.5%3.2%<0.5%32.2%0.7%<0.5%42.7%1.2%22.3%10.5%27 NovLingnan University5440.4%0.0%0.4%22.6%0.7%0.0%39.9%0.7%35.2%17.3%26–28 NovHKUPOP819<0.5%3.3%<0.5%35.2%0.6%<0.5%43.0%0.9%19.3%7.8%25–27 NovHKUPOP776<0.5%3.4%<0.5%32.9%0.8%<0.5%46.1%0.7%18.6%13.2%24–26 NovHKUPOP7830.7%3.3%<0.5%31.4%0.5%<0.5%48.2%0.7%17.9%16.8%23–25 NovHKUPOP7810.5%3.3%<0.5%30.6%0.5%<0.5%46.0%0.7%20.9%15.4%23 NovLingnan University4620.2%0.0%0.0%24.5%0.2%0.0%35.1%0.2%39.8%10.6%22–24 NovHKUPOP7810.5%3.3%<0.5%32.0%0.7%<0.5%44.7%<0.5%21.3%12.7%21–23 NovHKUPOP744<0.5%3.4%<0.5%33.1%0.9%<0.5%43.0%0.6%21.6%9.9%20–22 NovHKUPOP716<0.5%3.5%<0.5%30.9%1.0%<0.5%47.1%0.6%19.4%16.2%20 NovLingnan University4780.0%0.2%0.2%26.6%0.2%0.0%35.8%0.4%36.6%9.2%19–21 NovHKUPOP687<0.5%3.6%<0.5%32.3%<0.5%<0.5%47.3%<0.5%18.4%15%18–20 NovHKUPOP687<0.5%3.6%<0.5%31.7%<0.5%<0.5%49.1%0.6%17.5%17.4%17–19 NovHKUPOP684<0.5%3.6%<0.5%33.5%<0.5%<0.5%49.3%1.0%15.1%15.8%16–18 NovHKUPOP688<0.5%3.5%<0.5%30.8%<0.5%<0.5%51.8%1.2%15.2%21%16 NovLingnan University5140.4%0.4%0.0%22.2%0.0%0.2%32.5%0.6%43.7%10.3%15–17 NovHKUPOP691<0.5%3.5%<0.5%31.3%0.7%<0.5%49.6%0.9%16.4%18.3%14–16 NovHKUPOP691<0.5%3.6%<0.5%32.3%0.7%<0.5%46.0%<0.5%19.6%13.7%13–15 NovHKUPOP654<0.5%3.7%<0.5%35.6%0.9%<0.5%42.8%<0.5%19.5%7.2%13 NovLingnan University4350.0%0.2%0.0%21.1%0.0%0.0%34.3%0.5%44.0%13.2%12–14 NovHKUPOP621<0.5%3.9%<0.5%37.3%0.7%0.5%42.1%0.8%18.3%4.8%11–13 NovHKUPOP590<0.5%3.9%<0.5%33.9%0.9%0.5%43.9%1.0%19.3%10%10–12 NovHKUPOP587<0.5%3.8%<0.5%29.6%0.9%<0.5%45.9%1.6%21.3%16.3%9–11 NovHKUPOP585<0.5%3.7%<0.5%27.7%0.5%<0.5%45.1%1.1%25.0%17.4%8–10 NovHKUPOP587<0.5%3.8%<0.5%31.3%0.5%<0.5%41.6%1.2%24.8%10.3%7–9 NovHKUPOP587<0.5%3.9%0.5%33.0%<0.5%<0.5%42.1%1.0%22.2%9.1%6–8 NovHKUPOP569<0.5%4.0%0.5%33.4%0.5%<0.5%44.3%1.4%19.4%10.9%5–7 NovHKUPOP547<0.5%4.0%<0.5%32.4%<0.5%<0.5%45.9%1.1%19.3%13.5%4–6 NovHKUPOP527<0.5%4.1%<0.5%33.1%<0.5%<0.5%44.1%0.9%21.1%11%3–5 NovHKUPOP526<0.5%4.2%<0.5%35.1%<0.5%<0.5%42.6%0.6%20.4%7.5%2–4 NovHKUPOP527<0.5%4.2%<0.5%37.5%<0.5%<0.5%43.0%0.6%17.2%5.5%1–3 NovHKUPOP5270.6%4.2%<0.5%37.6%<0.5%<0.5%41.4%<0.5%18.9%3.8%31 Oct–2 NovHKUPOP526<0.5%4.2%<0.5%35.6%0.6%<0.5%40.9%<0.5%21.8%5.3% Date(s)conductedPolling organisation/clientSample sizePan-democracy campPro-Beijing campNone of above/UndecidedLead Chan Ho Wong Lo Kam R. Ip K. H. Ip 4–7 SepMing PaoMingpaovan 09-08-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913210302/http://www.mingpaovan.com/htm/News/20070908/HK-gca1.htm 13 September 2007428 39.3% – – – – 35.8% – 25.0% 3.5%4–5 SepApple Daily/HKU POPhttp://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/meta-judy/article?mid=2832 HK.myblog.yahoo.com meta-judy 7 September 2007 20 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110520003523/http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/meta-judy/article?mid=2832 dead 502 52.2% – – – – 32.3% – 15.5% 19.9% 23–26 Aug Ming PaoMingpaovan 08-27-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070920155359/http://www.mingpaovan.com/htm/News/20070827/HK-gda1.htm 20 September 2007 289 – 21% 10% – 3% 45% – 21% 24% – 34% – – – 50% – 16% 16% – – 30% – – 56% – 14% 20% 10–13 Aug Ming PaoMingpaotor.com 08-14-2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070926222205/http://www.mingpaotor.com/20070814/HK-gda1h.htm 26 September 2007 299 – 27% – 4% 6% 28% 8% 27% 1% – 38% – – – 43% – 19% 5% – 48% – – – – 29% 23% 19% Controversies Beijing's influence Chan declared her hopes of being a bridge between Hong Kong and Beijing should she win the by-election. Ng Hong-man, 82-year-old veteran Hong Kong deputy of the National People's Congress, said Chan had severed ties with Beijing by her past actions. "Chan is now moving toward a head-on collision with Beijing as she has sided with the democratic opposition against Beijing." Ng said she infuriated Beijing leaders by being disloyal to and uncooperative with Tung Chee-hwa whilst he was chief executive; her approval of the City Hall for the assembly of the Falun Gong was also a sore point, as was Chan's accusation that the late CPPCC delegate Xu Simin's intervention over Radio Television Hong Kong had breached "one country, two systems".Carrie Chan, "Anson Chan no bridge to Beijing, says China loyalist" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051658/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=54136&sid=15562167&con_type=1&d_str=20070927&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 27 September 2007 On 30 November Chan's pro-democratic supporters warned the public about the consequences of further pro-Beijing influences. Former head of ICAC and Chan's adviser Lily Yam Kwan Pui-ying wrote, "I am sending out this personal appeal to you because Hong Kong is in great danger of being dominated by one voice and one party under different guises, where everyone fears expressing his or her choice and preference. This will happen sooner than we think unless we all act NOW."South China Morning Post, "Anson Chan's supporters are worried that a small turnout will favour her main rival, Regina Ip, in Sunday's Legislative Council ballot.", South China Morning Post. Retrieved 29 November 2007. Favouritism allegations Chan has alleged that the Government has been secretly favouring her opponent, saying that the Chief Secretary had written an email inviting policy secretaries to assist Regina Ip, although this has been denied by the Chief Executive Donald Tsang.Carrie Chan, "Tsang denies Cabinet backs Ip in the polls" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051458/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=54947&sid=15756296&con_type=1&d_str=20071011&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 11 October 2007Carrie Chan, "Anson rebuts Hu remarks on meddling" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051512/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=56940&sid=16306663&con_type=1&d_str=20071115&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 15 November 2007 Other favoritism allegations include Party vice chairman of the DAB, Lau Kong wah, who questioned whether Hong Kong police were biased in favoring the democrats, saying they made no arrest on 15 November when a DAB staff member was pushed to the ground by a Democratic party member.South China Morning Post, "Minister, parties say 'cool it' after alleged poll violence.", South China Morning Post. Retrieved 29 November 2007. He alleged the pan-democrats were playing victims and creating tragedy to win sympathy for Chan's campaign. Political gaffes On 7 October 2007, Chan made a brief appearance at a rally to demand full democracy by 2012. She left the rally to visit her hairdresser before an engagement that evening. She was accused of lacking in political sensitivity.Una So, "Chan set to overcome hairy time" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051526/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=54803&sid=15718802&con_type=1&d_str=20071009&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 9 October 2007 Whilst electioneering in November, a political analyst said Chan may have made another serious blunder by agreeing to be a sponsor for Retired Persons' Association.Diana Lee, "Anson takes a wrong turn again" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051719/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=56440&sid=16167735&con_type=1&d_str=20071107&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 7 November 2007 Abuse of position allegations Alex Tsui, a disgruntled former ICAC official accused Chan of obtaining a 100% mortgage to purchase a flat in 1993 when she was chief secretary, suggesting an abuse of power. A City University commentator said the issue marked the start of a smear campaign against Chan.Carrie Chan, Victor Cheung and Nickkita Lau, Probe call supported amid fears of smear https://web.archive.org/web/20110522052021/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=57289&sid=16398317&con_type=1&d_str=20071121&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 21 November 2007 Campaign violence With the unprecedented media interest raising the stakes in the contest, Ip's supporters have been waging a campaign of increasing bitterness. While Ip officially adopted "I'll do better than my best" as a campaign slogan, Chan uses "vote with your conscience" on her election posters. Ip's supporters, however, have put up banners attacking Chan personally. After their surprise victories in the District Council elections the week before, "Ip's supporters ... have escalated their dogging of Chan to the point of harassment, if not outright intimidation" according to political commentator, Michael DeGolyer. This type of direct face-to-face violence has never been seen in Hong Kong politics:Michael DeGolyer,"Election surprises just keep coming" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522052103/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=57782&sid=16489325&con_type=3&d_str=20071129&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 29 November 2007 a Civic Party member was sent to hospital after he was injured when an Ip supporter, a failed DAB District Council candidate, tried to snatch his mobile phone, while he took pictures of their activities. "The violence has been worse than in previous elections," Audrey Eu said. She said there had been allegations of candidates, supporters and campaign posters having been targeted; the printer of election materials had his shop damaged and a supporter's taxi had its windows smashed."Carrie Chan, Appeals for calm as lines drawn on polls violence https://web.archive.org/web/20110522052150/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=57690&sid=16491800&con_type=1&d_str=20071128&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 28 November 2007 Facebook battle & public response After the All-eight LegCo election debate was over, Ip was asked whether she was unhappy with the jeering. Ip said that she expected criticism and that she had more than 400 friends in her Facebook account. By 21 November, the "Regina for Councillor" Facebook group grew to 530 members.DNA, "Facebook face-off", Daily news analysis, 21 November 2007 Another Facebook group called "No Regina Ip Allowed" has close to 750 members. And another group called "Anson Chan for Hong Kong" had close to 2,400 members. Apple Daily Echoing fears of a low turnout which would favour the pro-Beijing camp, the pro-democracy journal Apple Daily, who had been partisan to Chan's campaign, published a special headlined "Mrs Chan's Situation in Danger" on polling day. Although some detractors claimed the publication should form part of her campaign expenditure, Chan praised Hong Kong's right to free speech.Nickkita Lau, "Chan draws line in sand as Ip gets up for next round" https://web.archive.org/web/20110522052201/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=58109&sid=16595859&con_type=1&d_str=20071205&sear_year=2007 22 May 2011 , The Standard, 5 December 2007 Results Hong Kong Island by-election 2007http://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2007by/eng/result.html Legislative Council HK Island Geographical Constituency By-election 2007-12-02 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071215184102/http://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2007by/eng/result.html 15 December 2007 Nonpartisan politician Independent democrat (Hong Kong) Anson Maria Elizabeth Chan Fang On-sang 175,874 54.84 Nonpartisan politician Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee 137,550 42.89 Nonpartisan politician Tandon Lai Chiang 3,518 1.10 Nonpartisan politician Ho Loy 1,593 0.50 Nonpartisan politician Ling Wai-wan 822 0.19 Nonpartisan politician Siu See-kong 613 0.19 Nonpartisan politician Lee Wing-kin 401 0.12 Nonpartisan politician Lau Yuk-shing 344 0.11 38,324 11.95 320,715 100.00 1,223 321,938 52.06 618,398 Nonpartisan politician Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong See also United front in Hong Kong References External links Government press release 19PyCBS935I Raymond Wong talk about the by-election EastSouthWestNorth coverage Video interviews with each of the eight candidates Opinion Piece on the ElectionNovember 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes Opinion poll 嶺南大學公共管治研究部：民意調查報告 Press Releases on 2007 - Public Opinion Programme, the University of Hong Kong Category:2007 elections in China Category:2007 in Hong Kong 2007